Sustenance of Rural Livelihoods through Rural Cooperatives in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State

Background: Rural co-operatives are vital for sustaining rural livelihoods by promoting economic empowerment, resource pooling, market access, and skills development among others. They support entrepreneurship, financial services and job creation to combat poverty and unemployment. However, rural dwellers face challenges such as poverty, unemployment, limited credit access, market inefficiencies, and gaps in sustainable practices, affecting their livelihoods. While existing literature focuses on other regions, this study addresses the limited research on rural co-operatives in the selected area, examining their role in livelihood sustenance. It fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis, providing new insights into co-operative-driven rural development in the under-researched region. The study aims to contribute to understanding the impact of co-operatives on rural economic stability and growth. Objective: This study focusedon sustenance of rural livelihoods through rural co-operatives in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State Method: Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and was carried out in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. Two hundred and sixty-four members of ten selected registered primary co-operatives in the study area were sampled through a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The research instrument was validated through Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient and the corresponding reliability coefficient of 0.84 was regarded as reliable. Data were analyzed using frequency tables, simple percentages and mean through a five scale Likert point. Formulated hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression of ANOVA. Results: Rural co-operatives had significant positive role in poverty reduction among rural dwellers and job creation for rural dwellers in Enugu East Local Government Area. Conclusion: Rural co-operatives play a crucial role in sustaining rural livelihoods, significantly contributing to poverty reduction and job for rural dwellers in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. This multifaceted support underscores their importance in rural development and economic stability. Unique Contribution: The study reveals rural co-operatives' key role in reducing poverty and creating jobs, highlighting their potential for broader outreach and skills development. Key Recommendation: Co-operatives should expand outreach, offering tailored support to marginalised rural communities and enhance job creation by investing in skills training and partnering with local businesses in Enugu East L.G.A.