THE EFFECT OF COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP ON SMALLHOLDER COFFEE PRODUCERS' PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY: THE CASE OF YIRGA CHAFFEE WOREDA, GEDEO ZONE

ABSTRACT: The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of Cooperative Membership on Smallholder Coffee Producers' Production Efficiency in Yirga chaffe Woreda, Gedeo Zone. To achieve this objective, the researcher employed explanatory research design. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The target populations for the study were farmers in Yirga Chaffe Woreda. To select sampled respondents, multi-stage stratified sampling techniques were employed. Questionnaire and key informant interview were used to collect data. The quantitative data which was collected through questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics and PSM. Qualitative data which was collected through key informant interview was analyzed thematically. Findings indicate a significant portion (54.25%) of farmers is not currently members of cooperatives, suggesting untapped potential for increased participation. Demographic factors like age, gender, marital status, and family size do not appear to be major determinants of cooperative membership. However, education level and farm size are strongly correlated with cooperative membership, with higher education and larger farm sizes associated with greater participation. Further research is needed to explore the specific factors driving these associations and the impact of cooperative membership on agricultural outcomes.