Influence Of Social Economic Factors On Youth Engagement In Agricultural Project Activities In Yatta Sub-County, Machakos County Kenya

Abstract

Agriculture is considered a key contributor to the Kenyan economy signifying 30% of the GDP. The youth unemployment has been a key issue in Kenya with 70% of the youthful population unemployed. Agriculture would therefore offer an economic opportunity for the youth willing to engage in agricultural activities. This study seek to investigate factors influencing youth engagement in agricultural projects activities in Yatta Sub-County of Machakos County. The objectives of the study were to establish how access to land influence youth engagement in agricultural project activities, to examine how access to financial services influence youth engagement in agricultural project activities, to assess how access to markets influence youth engagement in agricultural project activities and to determine how extension services influence youth engagement in agricultural activities. The study is significant since agricultural sector is the back bone to the Kenyan economy. Agriculture is a source of livelihood to the residents of Machakos County as well as Yatta Sub-County. This sector can provide employment to the youth since they are energetic and can learn fast. The study used descriptive survey design; while the target population was youth aged 15-34 years engaged in farming within Yatta Sub-County. The study assumed that the data collection tools were valid and that the youth and local administration would be willing to cooperate and participate in the study. This study was based on reasoned action and the push and pull theory. The dependent variable for the study was youth engagement in agricultural activities, while access to land, access to financial services, access to market and extension services were the in dependent variables. The government policies and NGO initiatives were the moderating variables whereas the demographic characteristics represented the intervening variables. Purposive sampling technique guided collection of relevant data using survey questionnaires. Data collection tools were be pilot tested using the split half technique where a Pearson’s co-efficient of 0.73 was considered acceptable. The validity and reliability of data collection tools was ensured by seeking expert opinion and pilot testing respectively. Ethical issues were observed by ensuring respondents are treated with respect and courtesy and ensuring confidentiality. The Data was analysed using SPSS and data presentation was in tables, frequencies and percentages. The findings of the study revealed that access to land is an inhibitive factor to youth engagement in agriculture activities since majority access land and yet have no control and hence cannot make long term investments on the land. Financial services were found to be more affordable and accessible to youth. The uptake was not good since most youth were un-aware of the application procedures. The main market for the agricultural produce was the local market. The youth have not adequately exploited the external markets due to lack of information, knowledge and skills on quantity and quality market standards and requirements. Extension service provision is limited from the government officials and thus youth majorly learn new farming technologies from one another and ICT. Majority of the youth were found to be engaged on full time basis (7 months and above) in agricultural project activities with more focusing on short term ventures and those with less labour demands. The study recommends that the National, County government, NGOs and other partners need to: sensitize youth on land laws and policies; come up with modalities of ensuring youth access and own land; train and sensitize farmers on market systems, structures and quality and quantity requirements; purposively target youth in trainings on new and modern farming technologies; Explore developing an extension model that integrates youth into the extension system. The financial service providers need to engage youth in trainings and sensitizations on loan application process, improve their loan processing time and strengthen the feedback mechanism