Strategies for Utilizing Community Resources for In-School Rural Youth Development in Agriculture in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The future of in-school rural youth in many Nigerian communities appears bleak despite the vast natural in their immediate. This study investigated the strategies for utilizing community resources for in-school rural youth development in Agriculture in Imo-State, Nigeria. Data was collected from 200 youth instructors randomly selected from the study area using structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was carried out using descriptive statistical tools. The result showed that community resources available for in-School rural youths development in agriculture included: resources person (experienced farmers, agricultural specialist and resource persons)(mean = 3.26); natural resources as forest reserves, water bodies etc (mean = 3.17), institutional establishments as research stations, zoos etc. (mean = 3.07) among others. The strategies for utilizing the community resources include: promoting joint school and community project (mean = 2.79), student occupational experience (SOE), student industrial work experience (SIWES) and projects (mean = 3.91), embarking on visit, excursions and fieldtrips to established agricultural establishment and other agricultural resource locations in the community (mean = 3.20), among others. It was recommended among others that there should be sustained effort in the provision and harnessing of community resources at the disposal of the schools.

Keywords: Community Resources, In-School Rural Youths, Development.