THE POTENCY OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES: AN X-RAY OF 1937 AND 1966INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIVE ALLIANCE PRINCIPLES

Abstract

Background: This study undertakes a comparative analysis of cooperative societies operating
under the 1937 and 1966 International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) frameworks in Nigeria. The
aim was to evaluate how these frameworks influence operational practices, efficiency, and
institutional effectiveness in diverse regional and sectoral contexts. Methodology: A mixedmethods research design was adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to
enhance depth, validity, and contextual richness. The study was conducted in seven purposively
selected Nigerian states including Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Abuja (FCT), Lagos, Kano, Oyo, and
Enugu chosen to reflect ethno-linguistic and geopolitical diversity. Data were collected using a
structured instrument, the Comparative Cooperative Operations and Principles Assessment
Questionnaire (CCOPAQ), administered in English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Nigerian Pidgin.
The sampling frame included various cooperative types credit, agricultural, workers’, and
multipurpose. A total of 379 questionnaires were distributed using multi-stage sampling, with 354
successfully retrieved (93.40% response rate). Additionally, 14 qualitative interviews were
conducted with cooperative leaders to deepen interpretation. Findings: Descriptive and
inferential analyses using SPSS v26 and NVivo revealed that cooperatives under the 1966 ICA
framework demonstrated greater adherence to community development, education, and intercooperative collaboration, whereas those under the 1937 framework prioritized internal
governance and thrift-based member services. Hybrid models showed moderate performance
across key dimensions. Regional and institutional factors significantly influenced framework
adoption and cooperative effectiveness. Conclusion: The study underscores the relevance of
context-sensitive frameworks and recommends a hybridized adoption for greater adaptability and
sustainability in Nigeria’s cooperative movement.