IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES ACCESSAND COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP ON FARMERS’ WELFARE:EVIDENCE FROM TIGRAY, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

Aim: This study investigates the effects of agricultural extension services and cooperative membership on smallholder farmers' welfare in Northern Ethiopia.Materials and Methods: A sample of 392 households was selected from the Laelay Maichew district in Tigray, Ethiopia.A mixed-methods approach was used, including both qualitative and quantitative data collection.The study employed regression-adjusted and inverse probability-weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) models to estimate the impacts of extension services and cooperative membership on household welfare, focusing on income, expenditure, and asset ownership. Results:The study found that access to extension services significantly increased farmers' welfare, particularly in farm income and asset ownership, more so than cooperative membership.Participants in extension services spent ETB 13,903 more annually and had higher asset values compared to non-participants.