ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This study investigates Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for sustainable development in cooperative economics and management, with a focus on students in the Department of Cooperative Economics and Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The population comprised 150 newly admitted students of the 2024 academic session. Using Yamane’s (1967) formula for sample size determination at a 5% margin of error, a representative sample of 109 students was selected. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics (percentages and means) and chi-square tests were employed for data analysis. Findings showed that 72% of respondents believe AI enhances transparency and accountability in cooperative management, while 68% agreed it promotes financial inclusion by broadening access to cooperative services. Additionally, 64% reported that AI improves resource management and reduces waste, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. However, 59% of respondents identified inadequate digital infrastructure and 55% highlighted low technical literacy as major barriers to AI adoption. The null hypothesis, which stated that AI has no significant effect on sustainable development in cooperative economics and management, was rejected at a 0.05 significance level (χ² = 21.47, p & lt; .05). The study concludes that AI can significantly promote sustainable development in cooperative management if integrated into education and practice. It recommends targeted investment in digital infrastructure, policy support, and training programs to enhance AI literacy and adoption among cooperative stakeholders.