YOUTHS’ PARTICIPATION IN AGROBUSINESS IN ONDO STATE

The important role small businesses and entrepreneurship play in stimulating job creation, economic growth, poverty alleviation and general uplifting of living standards has been recognized both internationally and in Nigeria. The study aimed to analyze youths participation in agribusiness; a case of cassava production in Ondo State, Nigeria. Data were collected using questionnaires which were administered to the respondents. A total of 120 youths involved in cassava production under Ondo State Wealth Creation Agency (WECA) were purposively selected and administered the questionnaires. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentages and regression analysis were used for analyzing the data. The results revealed that majority (65.8%) of the respondents were within the age range of 26-35 years of age and male (65.8%). With respect to their marital status55% were single, while 45% were married. Also 0.8% of the youths had attained junior secondary school education and the rest (96.7%) had education above junior secondary school level and 2.5% others. Farm output of less 200 and between 200-400 cassava roots was found to be the average yield while the annual income was equal or greater than N35, 000. Results of the regression analysis show that only farm experience had significant relationships with the respondents’ levels of cassava production. They constituted the R2 value of 0.79. It was recommended that credit facilities should be provided to the youth. Modern farm inputs and implements should also be timely provided at affordable rates. Various states of the country should develop strategies targeting improving the literacy levels of farmers through workshops, seminars and other training programmes to motivate and encourage the youth involved in cassava production.