Assesment of youths’ attitude to agriculture as a career: A case study of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study surveyed the attitude of youths towards agriculture in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State in Nigeria. Eighty respondents were selected using simple random technique. Respondents were interviewed using structured a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results showed that majority (51.25%) of the respondents were in the age group of 21-30 years, 57.50% were females, 82.50% were married, 65.00% had primary education, and majority were either students or commercial motorcyclists. The respondents had an unfavourable attitude towards agriculture (Mean=4.16) and majority (53.00%) attested that parents or guardians influenced their career decisions. The most militating problems faced by the respondents in agriculture were low capital and credit facilities (95.00%), limited land (89.00%), and inadequate agricultural extension services (84.00%). A test of significance of factors influencing career choice showed a chi-square value of 110.38, which was highly significant (P<0.01). Thus, effort should be made to enlighten youths and parents or guardians on the importance of agriculture to self and nation building, poverty alleviation and sustainable food security.