Co-operative Financing and Livelihood Recovery among Smallholder Farmers in Insecurity-Affected Nigerian Communities

The study centred on co-operative financing and livelihood recovery among smallholder farmers in insecurity-affected Nigerian communities. It specifically ascertained how well smallholder farmers recover from farm disruptions caused by insecurity when they have access to co-operative credit and examined how much co-operative savings contributions boost the resilience of smallholder farmers aid in the restoration of their livelihoods after losses caused by insecurity. Using a descriptive survey design, 380 co-operative members were sampled through multistage sampling. A validated questionnaire provided primary data and its reliability (0.87) through confirmed through Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient. Data collected were analyzed Results showed that smallholder farmers recover from farm disruptions caused by insecurity when they have access to co-operative credit [x̄ = 3.514] and that co-operative savings contributions boost the resilience of smallholder farmers aid in the restoration of their livelihoods after losses caused by insecurity [x̄ = 3.514]. By expanding co-operative credit programs, the government should finance and oversee low-interest co-operative loan programs for vulnerable farmers. Co-operatives should promote a savings culture through ongoing financial education to help members save consistently and in a disciplined manner. This study adds to the body of knowledge by providing practical insights for rural economic reconstruction in conflict-affected Nigerian communities by empirically demonstrating how co-operative credit and savings together improve farmers’ resilience and recovery capacity.