The Role of Agricultural Cooperatives in Rural Household Food Security in Digalu-Tijo District, Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

This research was conducted to assess the role of agricultural cooperatives in rural household food security in Digalu-Tijo District, Oromia, Ethiopia. Cross-sectional survey research design was used and the necessary primary data were collected from 234 households through a household questionnaire. The determined sample size was identified using a systematic random sampling technique. Similarly, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used as data collection instruments and participants were identified based on purposive sampling. Secondary data were also collected from concerned organizations, published and unpublished materials. Statistical tools like percentage, mean, standard deviation and cross-tab analysis were applied in the study as methods of analyzing the data. The result of the study revealed that agricultural cooperatives have provided different services to rural households including broad bed maker technology, fertilizer, improved seed, and agrochemicals after they joined the cooperative as a member while there were gaps in providing credit, cooperative loans, and training. It has been also found that food accessibility in rural households has increased after their membership with cooperative institutions and similar results have been found with respect to the food stability of the farmers. Therefore, from the findings, it is concluded that agricultural cooperatives play significant roles in improving rural household food security. The study recommended that the contribution of agricultural cooperatives should further strengthen through awareness creation as well as regular monitoring and evaluation.