The role of cooperative in improving rural livelihood: Case Agro Cooperatives Lafisa Keble, Fafan Zone Somali Regional State

This study assessed the role of cooperatives in improving livelihoods within agro-pastoral communities, specifically focusing on Lafaisa Kebele in the Somali Regional State. Employing a cross-sectional, descriptive design, the research utilized both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was gathered via self-administered questionnaires from 206 systematically sampled cooperative household members, Kebele experts, and elders. Secondary data was drawn from policy documents, government reports, and official records to ensure data triangulation and validity. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS 20 and Excel, employed descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) to interpret results quantitatively and qualitatively. A key finding was that 84% of respondents confirmed access to crucial credit services through their cooperative, highlighting a significant financial role.To comprehensively measure livelihood improvement, the study used a framework of five capital pillars: financial, physical, natural, human, and social.