DETERMINANTS OF AGRICULTURAL CREDIT ACCESS AMONG MEMBERS OFFARMERS COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Agricultural credit is believed to play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity; however, access to agricultural credit remains a significant challenge for members of cooperative multipurpose farmers in Anambra state. To investigate this phenomenon, this study examined the determinants of agricultural credit access among members of farmers' multipurpose cooperative societies in Anambra state. The study was carried out in three agricultural zones in Anambra state, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select a sample of twenty-four cooperative societies with a total membership of 337 farmers.  The instrument for data collection was a set of structured questionnaires on a  5-point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using multiple regression models. Model results indicated that Age of farmers significantly (3.00), t (285) = 13.96, 12.65 and 2.00; and p- values = .000, .000 and .047 affect agricultural credit access and Educational level significantly (3.00), t(285) = 23.98, 13.13and 20.63; and p-values = .000, respectively affect agricultural credit access. In line with the findings of this study, it is recommended that young and vibrant youth should be encouraged to go into farming, as agricultural credit will be easier for them to access when they are young rather than in their later years.