This research work evaluate the element that hinder co-operative development in the rural areas of Enugu State, with special reference to Awgu Local Government Area. The main objectives of the study were: to identify the problems that hinder co-operatives as an instrument for rural development. To find out certain loophole of using co-operative in development, to find out how government policies can help in co-operative development and to makes useful recommendations on how to effectively utilize co-operative in rural development based on the study findings. In order to discover more details ten (10) research questions here asked, and this formed the basis for design of a comprehensive questionnaire administered to the target respondents. Also the review of related literature was carried out, this constitute the source of secondary data. Given a population study of 390,681 made up of members co-operative societies in the study area, a sample size of 400 was statistically determined. Tables frequencies and percentage were employed as statistical tools for data analysis. The study reviewed major finding including the lack of funds, poor management of co-operatives, attitude of people who come in control contact with co-operative and inadequate support from government were identified as problems hindering co-operative in the study area. Effort has been made by the government establishment of financial institution, provision of extension words and research institute that analyze the problems. Based on the study findings, the following points were recommended on areas that need serious improvements, that the government of Enugu State should give more recognition to co-operative and implement co-operative policies, particularly those that have to do it with agriculture and processing of foods, they need for co-operatives to enlighten her members, in other to reduce ignorance of the people about co-operatives in the area, more incentive should be giving to co-operative officers to enhance their performance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Approval Page

Dedication

Acknowledgment

Abstract

Table of contents

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background

1.2 Statement of the study

1.3 Objective of the study

1.4 Significance of the study

1.5 Research questions

1.6 Research Hypothesis

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the study

1.8 Definition of scope

CHAPTER TWO

Review of Related Literature

2.1 Definition of Related Literature

2.2 Classification or Type of Co-operative

2.3 Aims of Co-operative Movement

2.4 Procedure for forming Co-operative

2.5 How to developed already formed Co-operative

2.6 Major element that hinder Co-operative development

2.7 Functional Programmes on Rural Development

2.8 Definition of rural development

2.9 Definition of development

2.10 The Characteristics of the rural area

CHAPTER THREE

Research Design and Methodology

3.1 Research Design

3.2 Area of Study

3.3 Research Population

3.4 Sample size

3.5 Source of Data

3.6 Method of data Collection

3.7 data analysis Techniques

CHAPTER FOUR

Presentation and Interpretation of Findings

4.1 Data Presentation and Analysis

4.2 Analysis of Research Question/Hypothesis

CHAPTER FIVE

Summary of Findings, Recommendation and Conclusion

5.1 Summary of Findings

5.2 Recommendations

5.3 Conclusion

Bibliography

Appendix

Questionnaire

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Every year, substantial amount of money is earmarked for the development of the rural areas in Nigeria but at the end not much is achieved. Since the inception of modern co-operatives into Nigeria and Enugu State in particular however, it is hoped that its establishment it would contribute in greater degree in the development of rural areas and as well as in the promotion of standard of living of the people.

According to experts as anti-capital or what by principles and ideal will be capable of razing the trace of capitalism in the society of course this happens where co-operative has been accepted with good faith. But surprisingly, the movement of co-operative and its sustainability has always appeared slow, inefficient and lack of performance could be some elements that hinder co-operative development especially in Enugu state. In this instance, government has at various dispensation (time) came up with numerous measures and degree channeled towards the sustainability of co-operative in the country.

For instance, at the time co-operative was newly introduced by the colonial masters, there was faster development in all the regions of the country as there was sustainability which motivated most groups to form various co-operative.

Formally, it was hoped that before now co-operative could have reached all the nooks and corner of Enugu state and even expected for co-operative being sustainability in formation, the co-operatives potentials in the states will be harnessed to form a better co-operative which invariably stands to enhance the people standard of living and faster a rural development.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS

i. There are so many elements that hinders co-operative development in the rural areas of Enugu state and Awgu local government area of Enugu state in particular.

ii. There are so many problems militating against the development of co-operative in Awgu local government Area.

iii. Co-operative has not been contributing effective to the development of Awgu local government area.

iv. Government policies has been hindering the development of co-operative in Enugu state and Awgu local government Area in particular.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objective of this research work is to evaluate the elements that hinders co-operative development in the rural areas of Enugu state with particular reference to Awgu local government Area of Enugu state, the specific objectives of this research work includes the following:_

i. To examine the various problems militating against the development of co-operative in Awgu local government area.

ii. To evaluate the effect of co-operative on economic development of Awgu local government area.

iii. To examine how government polices can help in the development of co-operative in Enugu state and Awgu local government are in particular.

iv. To proffer solutions to the various problems militating against co-operative development in Awgu local government area.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study provides information and what should be done to promote co-operative in Enugu state as well as Awgu local government area and how to adopt modern co-operative and achieve the aim and objectives of modern co-operatives as in Denmark, Britain, Switzer land, Germany and India with other developed countries. It also forms a base to other researcher who wish or may want to carry further research on co-operative in Enugu state.

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions were formulated by the researcher:

i. What are the various problems militating against the development of co-operative in Awgu local government area?

ii. What are the effects of co-operative on economic development of Awgu local government Area?

iii. How can government policies help in the development of co-operative in Enugu state and Awgu local government area in particular?

iv. What are the solutions to the various problems militating against co-operative development in Awgu local government Area?

1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

The following research hypothesis were formulated by the researcher:-

H₀: There is no problem militating against the development of co-operative in Awgu local government Area.

H₁: There are so many problems militating against the

Development of co-operative in Awgu local government Area.

H₀: Co-operative has no effect on the economic development of Awgu local government Area.

H₁: Co-operative has significant effect on the economic development of Awgu local government Area.

H₀: Government policies do not help in the development of co-operative in Enugu state and Awgu local government area in particular.

H1: Government policies helps in the development of co-operative in Enugu state and Awgu local government area in particular.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Due to the issue if time factor, the scope of this study was narrowed to Awgu local government area in Enugu state. It covers all available co-operatives in Awgu local government area.

The researcher encountered certain limitation in the course of this work. First, is the time bond given to the researcher which made him ran short of his expected desired area of coverage. Secondly, the researcher is combining the research work with academic activities and other programmes

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Sustainable Development:- It means a new way of life and approach to social and economic activities for all societies, rich and poor which is compatible with the preservation of the environment.

Rural development:- Improved the standard of living of those that dwell in the village.

Co-operative:- It is a voluntary and democratic. Association of persons, with variable membership and variable capital, whose members pooled themselves and their resources together on mutual and self-help basis to form a business enterprise which seeks to solve the socio-economic problems (s) of these members by directly providing goods and services to them in their capacity as either the owner/customers or owner-employees of the co-operative enterprise.

Programme: This is a definite plan or scheme of any intended proceedings or an outline or abstract of anything to be done.

Development:- The growth of some area, so that if any it becomes more advance.

Village:- This is a mother of nature, it is the area where creation originated, it is the area where nature is at peace with itself, it can also be referred to as rural area.

Rural Area: They are those areas that not attained the maximum development.

Education: This is the transfer of peoples ideals to another person it also entails learning, improvement and illumination.

Culture:- This is a definite plan or scheme of any intended proceedings or an outline or abstract of anything to be done.

Infrastructure:- These are the basic structures and facilities e.g roads, electricity, houses, hospitals etc. needed for the operation of a society or organization.

Welfare: The general health, happiness and safety of a particular purpose.