YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed the involvement of youth in livestock production in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Four out of eleven wards in the study area were randomly selected. Thirty youths were randomly selected from each of the four wards to make up a total of 120 youths sampled. Data were collected, using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency distribution and percentages were used to analyze data collected, A three-point Likert scale of very Serious=2; Serious=1; and Not Serious=0, with a mid-point of 1.0 was used to identify the challenges faced by youth in livestock production. The study found that majority 66.6% of respondents who were involved in livestock production where male, 33.33% were female, while 45.8% were between the ages of 21-26 years. The most significant finding is that majority 68.33% were involved in livestock production. The youth perceived cost of management, poor access to loan and credit facilities and lack of incentive from government as challenges faced in livestock production. In view of this, it was recommended that the government and other agencies involved in youth empowerment should give maximum encouragement (in form of incentives and training) to youth involved in livestock production and encourage more of them to engage in the business through motivational strategies.