Determinants of youth participation in agribusiness: Evidence from Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was focused on determinants of youth participation in agribusinesses in Osun State, Nigeria. Quantitative data were collected from 150 respondents through the use of questionnaires across the study area. Data collected were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that more than half of the youths were male and the majority were single and low-income earners. Youths engaged in multiple agribusiness enterprises where they participated most in marketing of agricultural products and arable crop production. More than half (58%) of the youth had a favourable disposition towards agribusiness activities. The study also revealed that the respondents faced several constraints that limit their participation. The result showed that income (β =0.474), years of experience (β = 0.256), gender (β=0.198) and attitude (β=0.219) were the determinants of youth participation in agribusiness. The study concluded that majority of respondents were involved in agribusiness activities for less than 8 hours daily. To enhance sustainable youth participation in agribusiness activities and reduce unemployment, youths should be supported through creation of enabling environment, formulation of favourable policies and provision of infrastructure. Also, they should be encouraged with the provision of institutional supports such as provision of credit facilities and capacity building to make agribusiness more attractive to youths to reduce high rate of unemployment among youths in Nigeria.