Evaluate the Moderating Effect of Cooperative Membership on Farm Extension Services and Coconut Production among Smallholder Farmers in South-South, Nigeria

This study explores the moderating effect of cooperative membership on the relationship between farm extension services and coconut production among smallholder farmers in the South-South region of Nigeria. It examines the impact of extension services on coconut production and investigates how cooperative membership influences this relationship. The study's objective is to understand the effect of cooperative membership on extension services. The study applied Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, which provided a framework to understand how farmers' behaviours and practices are influenced by their interaction with extension services and the impact of cooperatives on their productivity. Data collection involved surveys from 334 coconut farmers. The data collected were analysed using frequency and percentages, mean, standard deviation and multiple linear regression. The findings indicate that cooperative membership plays a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of extension services. The analysis shows that cooperative members' experience a greater impact from extension visit frequency, indicating that they are more likely to benefit from the knowledge and skills provided by extension services. The study also highlighted that cooperative members have higher yields compared to non-members. The results strongly support the idea that cooperative membership is a critical factor in enhancing the impact of extension services on farmers' productivity. Furthermore, the study's conclusions suggest that farmers in the South-South region should consider becoming members of cooperatives to improve their farming practices and increase their coconut production. The study's findings have implications for policymakers, extension service providers, and the economy as a whole.