Analysis of Youth Participation in Agricultural Activities in Oyo State

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The aging farming population in Nigeria raises concerns about future food security. This study analyzed youth participation in agricultural activities in Oyo State. Using purposive and random sampling, 200 youth aged 18-35 were surveyed across four Local Government Areas. Results revealed that only 23% of sampled youth were actively engaged in agriculture as primary occupation. Factors discouraging youth participation included low profitability (78%), lack of access to land (65%), inadequate capital (72%), and negative perception of farming (58%). Youth who participated in agriculture were motivated by family tradition (45%), availability of land (34%), and government intervention programs (21%). The study recommends modernizing agriculture and improving access to credit for youth.