Intentions to Join Cashew Cooperatives in Nigeria

This study examined the factors influencing Nigerian cashew farmers' intentions to join cooperatives using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, hypothesizing that attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and knowledge would shape participation decisions. Data was collected through structured surveys administered to 321 farmers across Southwest Nigeria's key cashew-growing states (Ondo, Ogun, Osun), combining random sampling from government registries with snowball sampling to ensure representation of both members and non-members. The survey measured attitudes toward cooperative benefits (e.g., price stability, market access), subjective norms (peer/family/community expectations), PBC (confidence in overcoming barriers like fees or time constraints), and knowledge of cooperative operations, using validated 5-point Likert scales (Cronbach’s α > 0.7). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed three key findings: (1) Subjective norms were the strongest predictor (β = 0.42, p < 0.01), with 68% of farmers citing peer recommendations as pivotal, highlighting the social nature of adoption decisions; (2) Attitudes were influential (β = 0.31, p < 0.05) but gendered, as women reported 23% lower scores due to skepticism about equitable benefit distribution; and (3) Knowledge had no direct effect (β = 0.08, p > 0.1) but operated indirectly by strengthening PBC (β = 0.38, p < 0.01) and attitudes, suggesting that farmers require both information and tangible resources (e.g., affordable fees) to act.

Notably, PBC emerged as a critical barrier, with 62% of farmers citing membership costs as prohibitive—a challenge exacerbated for women, who often lack control over land or income. These findings imply that interventions must combine knowledge dissemination (e.g., workshops on cooperative governance) with structural support (e.g., flexible payment plans, gender-inclusive policies). Limitations include self-report bias (intentions vs. actual behavior), underrepresentation of women (34% of respondents vs. 60% of cashew laborers), and regional skew (Ondo’s mature cooperatives may not reflect nascent regions). For practitioners, the results advocate leveraging social networks (e.g., peer ambassadors) and addressing PBC constraints (e.g., microloans for fees). Researchers should expand geographic coverage and employ longitudinal designs to track behavior change. By aligning knowledge campaigns with resource provision and social norm shifts, stakeholders can bridge the "knowing-doing gap" and foster inclusive cooperative growth in Nigeria’s cashew sector.