Cooperative Entrepreneurship and Unemployment Reduction of Rural Dwellers in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State-Nigeria

Abstract

Unemployment remains a critical challenge in rural areas of Nigeria, with limited opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. This study examines the effect of cooperative entrepreneurship on unemployment reduction among rural dwellers in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigates the impact of entrepreneurial orientation and risk-taking on unemployment reduction. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, with a total population of 182 respondents drawn from registered cooperative societies in the study area. Census sampling was used to include all respondents, and data were collected through structured questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that entrepreneurial orientation significantly impacts unemployment reduction, highlighting the importance of proactivity, innovation, and competitiveness among rural entrepreneurs. Similarly, risk-taking behavior was found to have significant effect on reduction of unemployment by encouraging business expansion and investment in new ventures. The study contributes to the Entrepreneurial Group Theory by demonstrating the role of cooperative efforts in fostering economic development. It recommends policies that enhance entrepreneurial capacity and provide financial support to rural entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to sustainable job creation.