Aligning Cooperative Support Services: A Case Study of Cooperative Thrift and Credit Societies in Nigeria

Cooperative societies offer services to members but information on the link between these and business growth is scanty. An understanding of which service supports enterprise growth could improve economic development. This study examined the services accessed by Cooperative Thrift and Credit Societies’ (CTCS) members and influence of these on micro, small and medium scale enterprises. A random sampling technique was used to draw 20 CTCS from the list of registered cooperatives in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State; and 80 cooperators from the CTCS. Data collected using structured questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and multinomial logistic regression. The results indicate that many CTCS offer seminars, trainings and loan services but do not monitor these efficiently; members include men-56.7% and women-43.3% who were fairly educated-95%, owned enterprises of different scales-100% and preferred loan services. Regression results showed that the value of loan received and period of moratorium could enhance the growth of micro and small enterprises through assets accumulation; age and sex were also significant for micro enterprises. The study recommends a disaggregation of loan services, seminars, trainings and other services based on scales of business to enhance entrepreneurship growth and poverty alleviation.