An Investigation of Co-operatives in Crop Production as a Tool for Poverty Reduction in Zambia a Case Study of Lufwanyama District

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role of Co-operatives in crop production as a tool for poverty reduction in Zambia. Focusing on how Cooperative membership influences income levels and access to resources. The objectives of the study were to; (i) assess the roles played by Co-operatives in poverty reduction and (ii) to determine the relationship between the types of crops grown and their bearing on poverty reduction. Data was collected through survey with questionnaires administered and focussed group discussions from cooperative executive members in the six chiefdoms of Lufwanyama district. The questions were designed to capture information on incomes, access to resources, quality of life, types of crops grown, benefits accrued on cooperative membership and land ownership/assets acquired. The focussed group discussions provided further perceptions on issues in Cooperatives. The data was analysed using statistical numerical analysis using software such as SPSS and Microsoft excel, to identify significant factors influencing poverty. The results showed that Cooperative membership has a significant positive influence on member’s access to income and resources. The study highlights that Cooperatives provide a platform for material and financial empowerment to people in Lufwanyama District. The outcome of the study demonstrated that the type of crop also has a positive moderate correlation and an influence on levels of poverty as Soyabeans is a crop that showed high potential on reducing dependency syndrome on government subsidies if promoted and supported. Based on these findings recommendations are made on policy interventions to enhance the support and growth of Cooperatives in Zambia with particular emphasis on high cash crop production of Soyabeans and/or Groundnuts away from traditional Maize. Devising mechanisms of curbing corruption in the administration of subsidy programs and that there be more women and youth involvement for inclusive access to finances, equipment and farming inputs as well as providing tailor made training programs. Poverty was at 82.6 % in Lufwanyama and above the 54 % national average in tandem with other prior studies. Overall, the study indicated valuable insights into the potential for Cooperatives in crop production to contribute to poverty reduction in the region, offering implications for both policy makers and practitioners working towards poverty reduction. Keywords: Cooperatives, poverty, crop production.