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COP215Management Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Agriculture Cooperatives

This course introduces the concept of agricultural cooperatives and their significance in agricultural development. It explores how these cooperatives enhance farm labor efficiency and examines various types and functions within the Nigerian context. The course also covers national policies, the roles of governmental and non-governmental organizations, and different types of agro-cooperative credits. Additionally, it delves into the costs and benefits of storage and processing, marketing strategies, and the role of cooperatives in agricultural insurance, providing a comprehensive understanding of agricultural cooperatives.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Agricultural CooperativesFarm Labor EfficiencyAgro-Cooperative CreditsAgricultural InsuranceRural Development

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Meaning and Roles of Agricultural Cooperatives

2

Farm Labor Efficiency

3

Types and Functions of Agricultural Cooperatives

4

Problems of Agricultural Cooperatives in Nigeria

5

National Policy on Agricultural Cooperatives

6

Roles of Government and NGOs

7

Agro-Cooperative Credits

8

Storage and Processing of Agricultural Products

9

Agricultural Insurance

10

Comparative Study of Agricultural Cooperatives

Total Topics10 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of economics

Understanding of agricultural practices

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Cooperative Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Rural Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agribusiness Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Loan Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureRural DevelopmentFinanceAgribusinessInsurance

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: Meaning of Agricultural Co-Operatives and their Roles in Agricultural Development

2 study hours
  • Define agricultural cooperatives and identify their roles in agricultural development.
  • Discuss the educational role of agricultural cooperatives in providing professional advice to farmers.
  • Explain how cooperatives mobilize savings among farmers and provide essential extension services.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: The Different uses of Agricultural Co-Operatives

2 study hours
  • Describe how agricultural cooperatives promote farm labor efficiency through joint cultivation and purchase of farm implements.
  • Explain how cooperatives provide cost-effective management of large and small farms by applying scientific laws and principles.
  • Discuss how cooperatives promote environment-friendly farm practices through sustainable agricultural technology.
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Types and Functions of Agricultural Co-Operatives

2 study hours
  • List and classify the types of agricultural cooperatives, including indigenous societies, production cooperatives, and service cooperatives.
  • Describe the characteristics of indigenous/traditional farmers' societies and their mutual assistance practices.
  • Explain the functions of agricultural cooperatives in farm production, supply of machinery, produce marketing, and irrigation.
Week
4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Types and Functions of Agricultural Production Co-Operatives

2 study hours
  • List and explain the types of agricultural production cooperatives, such as group/joint farming, tenant farming, and farm settlement cooperatives.
  • Discuss the functions of agricultural production cooperatives in providing access to loans, bulk purchases, storage facilities, and extension services.
  • Identify examples of agricultural production cooperatives and their roles in pooling resources for joint farming.
Week
5

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: Types and Functions of Service Co-Operatives

2 study hours
  • Explain the types and functions of service cooperatives, including thrift and credit societies, supply cooperatives, and marketing cooperatives.
  • Discuss the benefits of thrift and credit cooperatives in promoting savings and providing loans to members.
  • Describe the functions of service cooperatives in trading cash crops, conducting market research, and providing extension services.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Problems of Agricultural Co-Operatives in Nigeria and Suggestion of Practicable Solutions

2 study hours
  • Identify and explain the problems of agricultural cooperatives in Nigeria, such as poor management, illiteracy, embezzlement, and inadequate capital.
  • Suggest practicable solutions to these problems, including government support, training, and review of cooperative laws.
  • Discuss the impact of political intervention and government control on the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: National Policy on Agricultural Co-Operatives

2 study hours
  • Conduct a historical analysis of the national policy on agricultural cooperatives in Nigeria.
  • Explain the objectives of the national policy, including revolutionizing farmers' cooperatives and empowering them as agents of rural development.
  • Identify the problems hindering the achievement of these objectives, such as illiteracy, unstable policies, and poor financing.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: The Roles of Government in the Development of Agricultural Co-Operatives

2 study hours
  • Explain the roles of government in the development of agricultural cooperatives, including financing, training, promotion, and public enlightenment.
  • Discuss government intervention in agricultural cooperative development and the associated problems, such as over-expansion and mismanagement.
  • Analyze the impact of government policies on the sustainability and effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives.
Week
9

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: The Roles of Non–Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Agricultural Co-Operative Development

2 study hours
  • Explain the meaning of NGOs and their roles in agricultural cooperative development, such as providing grants, training, funding, and aids.
  • Discuss the problems associated with NGOs' intervention, including diversion of grants, unequal partnerships, and dependence.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of NGOs in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and rural development.
Week
10

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: Types of Agro Co-Operative Credits

2 study hours
  • Explain the types of agro-cooperative credits, such as bridging credit, crop credit, livestock credit, social credit, and capital development credit.
  • Discuss how agricultural cooperatives can enhance the management of agro-credit schemes through proper organization and financial assistance.
  • Analyze the role of credit utilization in the success of agro-credit schemes and the importance of timely disbursement and monitoring.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Costs and Benefits of Storage and Processing of Agricultural Produce

2 study hours
  • Explain the costs and benefits of storage of agricultural products, considering factors such as storage systems and preservation functions.
  • List factors influencing the storage of agricultural products, including economics of storage and the nature of the products.
  • Discuss the risks in storage, such as price changes and quality losses.
Week
12

Module 3:

4h

Unit 2: Description of Forms and Operations of a Typical Agro Input Supply Co-Operative, Marketing of Agricultural Products and Supply of Farm Inputs to Farmers

2 study hours
  • Describe the forms and operations of a typical agro-input supply cooperative, including the aggregation of purchases and distribution of farm inputs.
  • Explain the marketing of agricultural products through cooperative businesses and the supply of farm inputs to farmers.
  • Identify the problems of agricultural marketing in Nigeria, such as lack of reliable channels and poor distribution arrangements.

Unit 3: The Roles of Co-Operatives in Agricultural Insurance

2 study hours
  • Discuss the roles of cooperatives in agricultural insurance, including insurance education, prompt payment of premiums, and early identification of danger signals.
  • Explain the place of cooperatives in the operations of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC).
  • Describe the process of seeking redress in NAIC for aggrieved clients.
Week
13

Module 3:

4h

Unit 4: Aims, Objectives and Problems of some Nigerian Agricultural Co-operative Promotion Institutions such as NACIMO, UNCP, FEAP, NACB, NALDA and NDE

2 study hours
  • Explain the aims, objectives, and problems of some Nigerian agricultural cooperative promotion institutions, such as NACMO, FEAP, NACB, NALDA, and NDE.
  • Analyze the effectiveness of these institutions in promoting agricultural development and supporting cooperative initiatives.
  • Discuss the challenges faced by these institutions, including funding, corruption, and political interference.

Unit 5: Comparative Study of the Origin, Types, Structures, Achievements and Problems of Agricultural Co-operatives in Some Selected Countries like Ireland, Israel, India, USA, Germany, Russia, Tanzania and Japan

2 study hours
  • Conduct a comparative study of the origin, types, structure, achievements, and problems of agricultural cooperatives in selected countries like Ireland, India, USA, Germany, Russia, Tanzania, and Japan.
  • Compare and contrast the cooperative models and their effectiveness in different contexts.
  • Identify best practices and lessons learned from international experiences in agricultural cooperative development.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives to ensure a comprehensive understanding of key concepts.

2

Create detailed summaries for each module, focusing on the types, functions, and challenges of agricultural cooperatives.

3

Practice applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, particularly in the context of Nigerian agriculture.

4

Focus on understanding the roles of government and NGOs in supporting agricultural cooperatives.

5

Compare and contrast agricultural cooperative models across different countries, noting their strengths and weaknesses.

6

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions to identify areas needing further study.

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