Factors Influencıng Youth Partıcıpatıon in Gınger Productıon in Southern Kaduna Zone, Kaduna State Nıgerıa

Abstract

This study examined the factors influencing youth participation in ginger production in Southern Kaduna Zone, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the extent of youth participation across production stages, identified socio-economic influences on participation, and explained constraints limiting engagement in ginger farming. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed: five local government areas (LGAs) were selected, one high-ginger-producing community was chosen from each LGA, and 30 youths were randomly selected per community, giving a total sample of 150 respondents.The findings revealed that youth participation was highest in land preparation, with 28.7% reporting very high involvement. Regression analysis showed that household size (0.159), even though the coefficient is positive (0.241), had a negative t-value (-3.240), so its significance is based on the absolute value, and farm size significantly influenced participation levels with a t-value of 2.590. Poor market access emerged as a major constraint, with 28.0% and 20.7% of respondents rating it as severe and very severe, respectively, indicating that limited access to profitable markets discourages sustained engagement. The study recommends establishing a Youth-in-Ginger Empowerment Scheme that provides low-interest loans, grants, and youth-friendly financial products, such as group lending and value-chain financing, to enhance access to land, inputs, and markets.