Assessment of rural children in agricultural production activities in Ogbomoso Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria: A vocational concept

Abstract

This study assessed the participation of rural children in agricultural production activities in Ogbomoso zone of Oyo state, Nigeria with a focus on the vocational concept, belief and development of the youth from the environment in tandem with the realities of the modern day in comparison with the occupation of the old inhabitants. The variable considered include the demographic characteristics of rural children, types of agricultural production activities rural children are involved, factors influencing the participation of rural children in agricultural activities, constraints faced by rural children and the attitude of rural children toward future participation. One hundred and eighty rural children were randomly selected from three local government area. The selected local governments are Ogo-Oluwa, Surulere and Oriire Local Government Area. The result shows that (55.56%) were male (36%) fall within the age range 16 – 17 years about (37%) of them are in Senior Secondary School, while (22%) are in Primary School and (6%) had no formal education. Rural Children agricultural activities were found to be extensive in the study area. The various agricultural activities carried out include land clearing (43%) making ridges 36% and among others. However, they participated in all agricultural production activities viz-a-viz production of crops such as maize,
cassava, vegetables, pepper and also livestock production. The study attempts to unveil factors that influence level of participation in agricultural
production as a constant vocation of those from that area of Nigeria and also the constraints that hindered rural children level of participation in
agricultural production activities inspite of the vocational interest and development.