AGRICULTURAL YOUTH SENSITIVE POLICIES: THE WAY FORWARD IN ENHANCING YOUTHS INCLINATION TOWARDS AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURAL YOUTH SENSITIVE POLICIES: THE WAY FORWARD IN ENHANCING YOUTHS INCLINATION TOWARDS AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 

Agriculture is a known profession in Nigeria and the largest employer of labour in the country. Yet from observation, most people practicing it as a means of livelihood are often the old and uneducated youths. The youth at present, constitute about 60% of Nigeria’s population and have over the years made significant contributions to National Development (Vision 2010 report, 2005).

The poor state of youth participation in agricultural activities in Nigeria has been a matter of great concern among agriculturists, agricultural researchers as well as administrators. The decline in the number of students entering the field of agriculture has been on the rise over the years, many students unfortunately look down on agriculture, even despising it, hence resulting in non-challant attitude towards Agriculture.  Agricultural transformation will not take place in developing countries such as Nigeria unless there is improved technical knowledge and willingness of youth to be in the sector. Idachaba (1995).