Factors influencing youth engagement in agricultural activities in Tanzania: a case of Makambako town council, Njombe region
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Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This study presents findings on the factors influencing youth engagement in agricultural
activities in Makambako Town Council, Njombe region. The overall objective of study
was to assess factors influencing youth engagement in agricultural activities in Tanzania.
Specifically the study sought to: identify socio economic characteristics of youth in the
study area, identify the potential agricultural activities and other job alternatives youth
engaged with, examine contribution of identified agricultural activities on youth
economic needs, determine the perception of youth on engagement in agricultural
activities and identify factors influencing their engagement. The study employed a cross-
sectional research design and sample size of 120 respondents. Structured questionnaire
for respondents, key informants, checklist key of agenda for Focused Group Discussions
(FGD) and observation tools were used to collect primary data. Data analysis was aided
by computer software called Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Frequencies
and percentages were computed. Socio economic characteristics of respondents examined
were sex, age, education level and marital status. The study concluded that, agricultural
activities done in research area include; food and cash crops production, livestock
keeping, trees planting and bee keeping. Common non-agricultural activities include
masonry works, carpentry, motorcycle transport services and shop keeping. Findings from
this research reveal that economic needs of youth include house, communication facilities
and land. Agricultural activities identified contribute greatly in providing youth economic
needs. Most youth perceive agriculture as an excellent employment. Based on regression
results, factors influencing youth engagement in agricultural activities include; shortage
of arable land, agricultural extension services, agricultural knowledge, youth
mobilization, youth policies, decision making, capital, financial credit services,
agricultural infrastructures, poor agricultural technology and inputs supply, high inputs’ prices and undefined crops market conditions, undefined selling units and low prices of
crops. Intervention strategies for agricultural sector improvement should be guided b>
youth socio-economic characteristics and their opinions.
Description
Master's Theses
Keywords
Agricultural activities, Factors influencing youth engagement.agriculture, Youth, Makambako town council, Njombe region, Tanzania