Determinants of Farmers’ Satisfaction with Access to Irish Potato Farmer Co-operatives’ Services in Northern and Western Provinces, Rwanda

Abstract

Satisfaction of members with services offered by co-operatives is key for a co-operative success. However, it remains questionable whether co-operatives have really achieved their expected objectives. This paper analysed the determinants of farmers’ satisfaction with access to services offered by Irish Potato Farmer Co-operatives in Northern and Western Provinces of Rwanda. The study employed descriptive design in cross-sectional research. Data were analysed descriptively and inferentially. Service accessibility level among Irish potato farmers was measured by developing an index. In assessing the level of farmers’ satisfaction, satisfaction index was adapted. Demographic and socio-economic factors influencing farmers’ satisfaction with Irish potato farming services were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The regression results indicate that only gender, primary occupation, livestock ownership, and co-operative membership significantly affected farmers’ satisfaction with co-operative services. Findings reported a low level of farmers’ satisfaction with farming services, and co-operatives in the study area failed to resuscitate their activities, forcing some farmers’ exit from Irish potato farming activities. The findings of this study generate facts to inform IPFCs, community development partners, and policymakers about farmers’ satisfaction with co-operative services and how they should be improved. In addition, the paper contributes to the literature by analyzing farmers’ accessibility to farming services and satisfaction with co-operative services in developing countries. This paper took a holistic perspective to cover all services that members expect from their co-operatives