RURAL YOUTHS’ INVOLVEMENT IN SOYBEAN VALUE ADDITION: A CASE STUDY OF YOUNG FARMERS’ IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study assessed the involvement of rural youths in soybean value addition process in Oyo State, Nigeria with aim of describing the socio-economic characteristics of young farmers that are involved in soybean value addition process; determine the perception of young farmers towards the soybean value addition process; examine the awareness of soybean value addition available to young farmers; determine the level of youth involvement in soybean value addition and examine the constraints in value addition of soybean production among rural young farmers. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted in the study. Firstly, purposive sampling technique was used to select two zones (Ibadan/ Ibarapa zone and Oyo zone) from the four agricultural zones in Oyo State based on the predominance of soybean farmers in the area. Secondly, proportionate random sampling technique was used to select three Local Government Areas (LGAs) from the two zones. Two LGAs (Akinyele and Ido) from Ibadan/Ibarapa zone and one LGA (Afijio) from Oyo zone were selected. Thirdly, proportionate sampling technique was used to select 8, 7 and 6 communities from Akinyele, Ido and Afijio LGAs respectively; this makes a total of 21 communities. Finally, simple random sampling technique was used to select 6 youths that were involved in soybean value addition process in each community making 126 youths (between the ages of 18 and 40 years) that were are involved in soybean value addition for the study. Data collected were analyzed and summarized using frequency count, chi-square and correlation analysis among others. The results revealed that the mean age of rural youths that were involved in soybean value addition was 27.80 ± 7.17 years. The majority (73.0%) were female, many of them (57.1%) had a high level of awareness about soybean value addition activities (fresh soybeans, dried soybeans, roasted soybeans, soy grits, soy flour, soy milk, soy sprouts and soy curd/tofu). About 73.8% had a high level of involvement and their main constraints against their involvement were inadequate processing skills (mean= 3.65), hazard involved (mean= 3.37) and low shell life span of soybean products (mean= 2.88). The results of the chi -square indicated the indigenous status (χ 2 = 2.104; P<0.05) and marital status (χ 2 = 17.334, P<0.05) had a significant association with respondents’ involvement in soybean value addition activities. Household size (r = 0.820; P<0.01) had significant relationship with respondents’ involvement in soybean value addition activities. According to the findings, the study recommended and concluded that stakeholders are encouraged to increase awareness on soybean value addition activities among rural youths to enhance their involvement which might positively influence soybean production thereby sustain plant protein sustainability.