CONTRIBUTIONS OF INFORMAL SAVINGS AND CREDIT INSTITUTIONS TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE FROM IFEDAPO COOPERATIVE MULTIPURPOSE SOCIETY

The study examined the contribution of Ifecbpo Cooperative Multipurpose Society to the nu:al development of Ikare Akoko and it's environ. A set of dat:t covering period 2003 - 2007 was collected on the activitie!> of the cooperative society and those of the members. The data were analyzed to determine the savings mobilization capacity, employment generation and social integration of members. The study revealed that the cooperative society is one of the components of the bedrock of rural development in the area. This is reflected in the business fin::tncing, wealth creation and employment generation for members and non members in the community. The study also revealed, that the cooperative society also promotes social and integration and gender equality