Involvement of Youth in Cassava Production Under Value Chain Development Programme in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed outh’s volvement in the cassava value chain innambra State, Nigeria. The Taro Yamane sample size formula was used to determine the sample size of 387 respondents. A multistage sampling procedure was used to collect data from 387 respondents using an interview schedule. The data collected were analysed using percentages, mean score and principal factor analysis. The result revealed that the respondents recognised the conveyance of farm inputs (52.2%), agrochemical applications (50.1%), use of appropriate tools (52.7%), sorting and cleaning (53.0%), and extraction of cyanide (52.7%) as cassava value chain activities. Respondents had a high engagement in production ( =2.50), post-harvesting ( =2.53), value addition ( =2.51), and marketing/distribution ( =2.51). Findings from PFA revealed that the high cost of labour (0.875), limited youth involvement in government policy (0.802), and inability to access land for farming (0.821) were the constraints affecting youths’ involvement. The findings concluded that youths were involved in the cassava value chains but at varying degrees of interest. The government should reduce young farmers’ economic burdens by providing subsidies such as low-interest loans, strengthening youth-led agricultural initiatives through meaningful policy engagement, and improving access to farmland to make agriculture more attractive and competitive.