The Role of Cooperative Association in Providing the Agricultural Services in the Governorate of Unaizah - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose : Generally Cooperative Associations play positive and productive role in disseminating the latest information on all aspects and services to the farming communities. However, it seemed imperative to assess the perceptions of the members and evaluate role of the Unaizah Agricultural Cooperative Association (UACA) to improve its working by addressing the issues and concerns of its members. Research Method : One hundred thirty-two respondents representing 25% of registered member farmers of the association were identified by applying a random sampling technique. Data were collected by using a welldesigned and pre-tested questionnaire to achieve the objectives of the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and interpret the data. Findings : Respondents had high perceptions regarding the role of UACA in the following areas: makes agricultural innovations available to the farmers at suitable prices; establishes good contacts with extension staff; brings useful activities; helps solving agricultural problems; provides timely information; maintains good relations with its members; establishes beneficial agreements with traders to enable farmers to have easy access to markets. Though majority (70.5%) of the respondents were highly aware of the importance of the association yet almost half of the respondents (53%) were moderately satisfied, suggesting an improvement in its working. Originality/ Value : No scientific study of the kind has not been launched before. Hence the outcomes of the study would help the association in enhancing its working