Youth participation in rural development: The way forward.

Ano: 2012 | Volume: 3 | Número: 1

Autores: Nlerum, F.E., Okorie, N.U.

Palavras-chave: Youth, participation, rural development, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Resumo Inglês:

This study determined the extent of youth participation in rural development activities in Emohua rural communities of Rivers State, Nigeria. The questionnaire which was randomly distributed was used in eliciting data from 56 respondents who were members of youth groups in the area. Data analyses were achieved with frequency, percentage and the linear multiple regression statistics. Results indicated the mean socio-economic characteristics of the respondents to be 24 years for age, 11 years as the duration of time spent in schooling and a net income of N11,689.29 ($99.06). Agricultural sector was the major rural development activity of interest to the respondents with crop production as the highest (25.00%). Relationship between participation index and the respondents’ socio-economic characteristics yielded a multiple determination of R2=0.555. Consequently, age, marital status, educational level and previous experience in rural development had significant relationship with participation. Insufficient input was the highest (44.54%) constraint to the participants. The study recommends the provision of adequate inputs for a more effective youth participation in rural development activities in the area.