Youths’ Participation in Rice Production in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined youth participation in rice production in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria, using data from162 young rice farmers selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Semi-structured interview schedule was used to elicit primary data from the study area, which were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Pearson correlation tests. Findings showed that 57.4% of respondents demonstrated a high level of participation in rice farming, motivated mainly by the desire to support community development (= 3.78), uphold family farming traditions ( =3.51), and earn income (=3.34). The Chi-suare and Pearson Product Moment Correlation test showed that educational attainment (χ² ₌ 9.001, P-value = 0.029), access to extension services (χ² ₌ 4.378, P-value = 0.036), farming experience (r = 0.220, P-value=0.005), frequency of extension visits (r = 0.212, P-value = 0.007), and proximity to markets (r = 0.180, P-value=0.022) were significantly associated youths’ participation. Constraints to participation in rice production were inadequate access to land (= 2.66), insufficient capital (= 2.60), and rising costs of farm inputs (= 2.46). The study concluded that youth participation in rice production is moderately high. The study recommended improved access to credit and farmland, strengthening extension service delivery, and investments in rural infrastructural development.