ASSESSMENT OF ADULT YOUTHS’ PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND ITS IMPACT ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN ZARIA, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

This study assessed the adult youth’s participation in agricultural production and its impact on employment opportunities in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Three specific objectives and three research questions were formulated. Descriptive survey design was adopted and population of the study was all youths participated in farming production in Zaria Birni Constituency. A sample of 60 adult youths was purposively selected from 3 wards out of 6 wards in Zaria Birni and its surrounding. Instrument used was a structured questionnaire with a four rating scale titled “Adult Youths Participation in Agricultural Production and its Impact on Employment Opportunity” (AYPAPIEO)”. It was validated by three senior researchers in the faculty of education Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean and standard deviation) was used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that the adult youth in the study area participated actively in agricultural production to produce foods for their family and provide employment opportunity to their family, friend and community. The findings also revealed that the adult youth participated in the agricultural production because of the food security and to have other sources of income for the family. The findings of the study equally revealed that adult youth participation in agricultural production reduces the level of social vices. It was therefore recommended among others that government and non-governmental organizations should increase efforts to provide adult youth with easier access to land, credit facilities, and inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. This can be achieved through targeted subsidy programs, low-interest loans, and land reform policies that prioritize youth engagement in agriculture. KEY WORDS: Adult youths, Agricultural production, Employment opportunities