An Assessment of CountryWomen Association of Nigeria (Cowan) Programmes In Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study examined the activities of COWAN in Nasarawa State, North-central Nigeria based on its cardinal objectives. A sample of 100 participants of COWAN selected through systematic random sampling procedure formed the respondents. Primary data were collected through interview schedule while secondary data were extracted from the record books of the NGO. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a 3-point Likert rating. The results revealed that COWAN was able to register a total of 516 women cooperative groups in the state from 1997-2009. However, only 60 groups were still participating in COWAN programmes at the time of this study. A total of N33.1m was disbursed as micro credit to the beneficiaries during the period. Respondents’ mean age was 35 years and 92% of them were married. Majority (56%) of the respondents had only primary education followed by those without any formal education (20%). There was diversification of economic activities among the respondents with most (60%) of them into agricultural produce marketing, followed by agro processing (50%), crop farming (40%) and livestock production (30%). Benefits derived by COWAN members include HIV/AIDS awareness/support (100%), micro-credit (90%), vocational training (60%) and adult literacy (40%) among others. Respondents’ satisfaction level was highest on HIV/AIDS awareness/support (x=2.8) followed by vocational training (x=2.2) and duration of loan (x-2.1). The perceived factors militating against COWAN performance were low amount of loan disbursed (x=2.36), short duration of loan (x=2.23) and high interest on loan (x=2.15). It was recommended that COWAN should explore more linkages with development partners such as Action AID to enhance its funding and the state government should support reputable NGOs in the state with a grant for micro credit to members.