Participation of Rural Youths in Cassava Production in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study assessed the participation of rural youths in cassava production at Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from 120 rural youth randomly selected using structured questionnaire administered by well-trained enumerators. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics (Probit regression model) as well as 5–point Likert scale. The results of the analysis revealed that majority (91.7%) of the respondents were less than 30 years of age with mean age of 25 years, 95.8% were males and 51.7% were married. About 93% of the respondents acquired formal education (primary, secondary and tertiary) with mean of 11 years in formal schooling. The mean household size was 3 members, while mean farming experience was 7 years. With respect to perception of the respondents about cassava production, they agreed that cassava production is an important source of income (𝑋̅ = 4.66), it improves their livelihood (𝑋̅ = 3.80) and that improved planting materials enhances output (𝑋̅ = 3.68) ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Land clearing and planting (99.2%), land tilling (98.3%), weeding (96.7%), harvesting (95.0%) and fertilizer application (80.0%) were the major cassava production activities performed by the respondents. Probit regression analysis revealed that marital status (1.965), farmland (1.744), credit (2.277) and extension services (2.009) were positive and significantly influences participation in cassava production. Problem of loan, Government policies and inadequate improved varieties (98.3%) were the major constraints faced by the respondents. In conclusion, most of the respondents were educated, married and participated in various cassava production activities, but they were constrained by finance and poor policies. Therefore, it was recommended that Government should make policies that will enhance rural youth participation in cassava production to boost output, while financial institutions should encourage young cassava farmers by giving them low interest rate loan for an increased production.