(a) i. Define distribution of goods. ii. Illustrate the normal chain of distribution of goods. b. Describe a consumers' cooperative society. c. Outline any ...

(a)(i) Distribution of goods is the process of moving goods from the producer to the final consumer through a chain of middlemen. It bridges the gap between production and consumption in place and time.

(a)(ii) Normal chain of distribution:

The producer manufactures the goods, the wholesaler buys in bulk and breaks them into smaller lots, the retailer sells in small quantities near the consumer, and the consumer finally uses the goods.

(b) Consumers' co-operative society. This is a voluntary association of consumers who pool their funds to buy goods in bulk and sell them to members (and the public) at fair prices, sharing any surplus (profit) among members as a dividend usually in proportion to their purchases (patronage). It is owned and democratically controlled by its members on the principle of one member, one vote.

(c) Four roles of a consumers' co-operative society:

1. It supplies goods to members at fair and reasonable prices, eliminating exploitation by middlemen.
2. It buys in bulk directly from producers, enjoying economies of scale and passing savings to members.
3. It shares its surplus among members as dividends (bonus), raising their real incomes.
4. It protects consumers by supplying genuine, good-quality goods and gives members the chance to save.