Factors influencing involvement of youth in poultry production in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the factors influencing the involvement of youths in poultry production in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the extent of youth’s involvement in poultry production; and ascertained the perceived factors that influence the involvement of youths in poultry production. Multistage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 120 young poultry farmers. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, and mean, as well as ordinary least square regression analysis. Results revealed that the youths in the study area participated moderately in poultry production and the foremost poultry production activities being participated by the youths included feeding ( x̄ = 2.81), packing and replacement of litters ( x̄ = 2.59), and vaccination/medication ( x̄ = 2.54). Moreover, the perceived factors influencing the youths’ involvement in poultry production were income ( = 3.69), cost of feed ( = 3.45), and availability of land ( x̄ = 3.33). The coefficients of age (0.013), membership to co-operative (0.042), years of experience (0.016), and extension contact (0.015) were positive and significantly influenced the involvement of the youths in poultry production. Enabling youths’ access to credits, subsidizing the cost of feed, and organizing training for the youths on poultry production were recommended.

Keywords: Involvement, agripreneurship, poultry production, youths