INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN FINANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES

Abstract

Background: This study undertakes a comparative analysis of cooperative societies operating under the 1937 and 1966 International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) frameworks in Nigeria. The aim was to evaluate how these frameworks influence operational practices, efficiency, and institutional effectiveness in diverse regional and sectoral contexts. Methodology: A mixedmethods research design was adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to enhance depth, validity, and contextual richness. The study was conducted in seven purposively selected Nigerian states including Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Abuja (FCT), Lagos, Kano, Oyo, and Enugu chosen to reflect ethno-linguistic and geopolitical diversity. Data were collected using a structured instrument, the Comparative Cooperative Operations and Principles Assessment Questionnaire (CCOPAQ), administered in English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Nigerian Pidgin. The sampling frame included various cooperative types credit, agricultural, workers’, and multipurpose. A total of 379 questionnaires were distributed using multi-stage sampling, with 354 successfully retrieved (93.40% response rate). Additionally, 14 qualitative interviews were conducted with cooperative leaders to deepen interpretation. Findings: Descriptive and inferential analyses using SPSS v26 and NVivo revealed that cooperatives under the 1966 ICA framework demonstrated greater adherence to community development, education, and intercooperative collaboration, whereas those under the 1937 framework prioritized internal governance and thrift-based member services. Hybrid models showed moderate performance across key dimensions. Regional and institutional factors significantly influenced framework adoption and cooperative effectiveness. Conclusion: The study underscores the relevance of context-sensitive frameworks and recommends a hybridized adoption for greater adaptability and sustainability in Nigeria’s cooperative movement.