Effects of Socio-Economic Characteristics on Livestock Production Among Youths in the Savelugu-Nanton District

Shaibu M. T., Munkaila L., Kanlisi R. and Sam K. O.

 

Full Length Research Paper I Published October ,2019

 

Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology  Vol. 5 (8), pp.178-188.

https://doi.org/10.36630/jasft_19046

 

ABSTRACT

The contribution of the youths to socio-economic development of farm households in rural societies is significant. The objective of this study was to ascertain the state of engagement by the youths and the factors influencing the youths to engage in livestock production. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, 350 respondents, aged 14 to 24 years were interviewed in the Savelugu-Nanton district of the Northern Region. Using descriptive statistics and the logit regression model, it was found that 70.9% of the youths are engaged in livestock production. Also, a significant number (77%) of the respondents were currently at different levels of schooling, from primary to junior high school, but have difficulty in financing their education. Majority (67.8%) of the respondents also chose to rear small ruminants (sheep and goats) against other species such as cattle, rabbits, local fowls, guinea fowls and grasscutters. All the respondents considered combining livestock rearing with what they envisaged to become (Teachers, Doctors, Nurses, Soldiers, police, businessmen and women) in the future. The factors that influence the youth into livestock rearing are education, gender, saving of income and contact with  Agricultural Extension Agents (AEA). It is hereby recommended that the capacity of the youths should be built through skills training and mentorship programmes.

 

KeyWords: Engaged in agriculture, youth, livestock production, Socio-economics, Logit model, Future jobs, Savelugu-Nanton.

 

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