Contribution of Dairy Co-operatives in Improving Members' Socio-Economic Welfare in Hai District

Abstract

This study assessed the contribution of Dairy Co-operatives in improving members' socio economic welfare in Hai district: Evidence from Nronga Women Dairy Cooperative society members. Specific objectives were to assess dairy co-operative factors that influence improvement of members' socio-economic welfare, to examine dairy products which enhance member's socio-economic welfare and to determine challenges facing dairy co-operative in improving socio-economic welfare of the members. The study was carried out using cross sectional design. Data were collected from 80 respondents through household survey, key informant interview and documentary review methods. Data were analysed through binary logistic regression in objective one and ordinal logistic regression in objective two while multiple response was used in objective three. The findings of the study revealed that, factors that influence improvement of members' socioeconomic welfare were buying milk, research and marketing, provision of inputs, saving and credit offering and artificial insemination. Furthermore, the findings revealed that, dairy products which enhance members' welfare were milk, fertilizer and cheese as well as butter products. The main constraints that face dairy cooperative were market competition, location and inadequate infrastructure. The study concludes that dairy cooperative contributes to improve welfare of cooperative members at high extent and it is recommended for more measure to be taken by relevant stakeholders to overcome the constraints facing dairy productivity.