Determinants of Youths’ Participation in Agricultural Cooperatives: Evidence from Northern Uganda

Abstract

Agricultural cooperatives have been effective conduits for engaging the youths in the sub-sector by increasing employment opportunities and reducing poverty. Conversely, critical determinants of youth participation in the sub-sector have not been wholly entrenched. This study explored various factors to evaluate youths’ participation in the subsector. A cross-sectional survey of 253 randomly selected youths farmers in northern Uganda was employed using a structured questionnaire and a Probit model for analysis. Our results revealed that the main catalyst for youths’ participation was size of land owned and membership fees. Additionally, institutional factors, marketing, household size, hired land, land cultivated, shared responsibility and secondary occupation were authenticated as crucial for participation. The study advocates for a review of the operation guidelines for cooperatives and make amends to lure more youths. The study illuminates on the potency of agricultural cooperatives in stamping a footprint in elevating the economic status of the youths.