ANALYSIS OF FARM INCOME OF COOPERATIVE AND NON-COOPERATIVE CASSAVA BASED FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN IKOT EKPENE AGRICULTURAL ZONE, AKWA IBOM, NIGERIA

This study analyzed the farm income of cooperative and non-cooperative cassava-based farming households in Ikot Ekpene Agricultural Zone, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 180 cassava farmers, comprising 90 cooperative members and 90 non-cooperative members. The sampling frame was obtained from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Agriculture and the Ikot Ekpene Agricultural Development Programme (ADP).Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, which was administered by trained enumerators. The questionnaire captured information on socio-economic characteristics, farm size, education, cooperative membership, non-cooperative membership, credit access, and income from cassava farming. Descriptive statistics, such as mean, frequency, and percentage, were used to summarize the data. Regression results showed that farm size, cooperative membership, and access to credit significantly influenced farm income, while education, farming experience, and extension access had positive but insignificant effects. The results show that cooperative members earned significantly more (₦45,000 monthly) than non-members (₦25,000). The socio-economic characteristics of respondents indicate that the majority (66.7%) are married, with most (33.3%) aged 35-44 years, suggesting an ageing farming population.Major constraints include lack of credit (mean = 3.5), poor roads (3.2), and inadequate storage (3.0), with non-members perceiving slightly higher severity. Chi-square tests show significant differences in credit access perception (χ² = 4.32, p = 0.038). Coping strategies include using local inputs (72%), mixed farming (60%), and informal credit (56%).The study concludes that cooperative membership positively impacts cassava farmers' income, and addressing identified constraints could further enhance productivity and earnings. Recommendations include strengthening cooperatives, improving credit access, investing in rural infrastructure, and increasing extension services.