Exploring Co-operative Development Strategies for Sustainable Management and Governance of Ethnic Diversity in Nigeria

The study explored co-operative development strategies for sustainable management and governance of ethnic diversity in Nigeria. Specifically, it ascertained the effect of co-operative development on poverty alleviation among ethnic minorities and determined the effect of co-operative development on income provision for ethnic minorities in Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design, with 368 respondents sampled through Freund and William’s statistical formula. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed in frequency tables, simple percentages and mean through a 5-point Likert scale. Hypotheses were tested using one sample t-test statistical tool at 0.05 level of significance, through (SPSS, 27). Findings showed that co-operative development had significant positive effect on poverty alleviation among ethnic minorities and income provision for ethnic minorities in Nigeria [t₄ = 9.727, p<.05] and [t₄ = 7.722, p<.05]. It therefore concluded that co-operative development significantly improves poverty alleviation and income provision among others among ethnic minorities in Nigeria, contributing positively to the sustainable management of ethnic diversity. Recommendations were made on the need to expand and support co-operative development programs to further alleviate poverty among ethnic minorities, ensuring comprehensive access to resources and training and promote co-operative development initiatives to enhance income provision for ethnic minorities by improving market access, skill development, and business opportunities among others.