Cooperative societies play a vital role in fostering grassroots development, yet their contributions are often underutilized due to limited government support and inadequate resources. In Yobe State, Nigeria, where communities face persistent challenges in achieving sustainable development, cooperatives have emerged as key drivers of self-help initiatives. This study investigates the role of cooperative societies in promoting community development within the state.

A survey research design was adopted, using questionnaire to gather data from respondents. The functionalist theory served as the theoretical framework, emphasizing the cooperative societies’ function in maintaining social stability and development. From a population of 2,947 cooperative members, a sample of 340 respondents was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) sample size table. Data collected were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that over 60% of respondents were male, 42% belonged to agricultural cooperatives, and 37% indicated that community members themselves initiated the cooperatives. The study further showed that self-help projects remain the primary avenue for community development, with 62% of respondents lamenting the absence of state assistance, leaving cooperatives as the sole source of support. Based on these insights, the study recommends that government intensify efforts in funding, capacity building, and provision of technical facilities to strengthen cooperative societies and enhance their impact on community development initiatives.