Factors influencing youth ivolvement in agribusiness projects in Bomet central sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to investigate factors influencing youth involvement agribusiness projects in Bomet Central Sub-County. The objectives of the study were: To examine the extent to which access of land, access of credit facility and youth attitudes towards agriculture can influence their involvement in agriculture, in addition to investigate the extent to which agricultural extension services and availability of agricultural infrastructures can influence the involvement of youth in agribusiness. The study is significant since agricultural sector is the back bone to the country‟s economy, and particularly a source of livelihood to Bomet Central Constituency residents. The design of this study was descriptive; while the target population were the youth from registered youth groups in Bomet Central Sub-County. Purposive sampling technique was utilized to guide collection of relevant data. Standard research ethics will be observed. Data analysis was presented in tables, frequencies and percentages and the findings was interpreted as per the objectives the study. The findings of the study revealed that although youth can contribute significantly to socio-economy development through agriculture, they continue to face constraints such as access to land, credit facility, and lack of skills on modern agricultural methods coupled by poor infrastructure. Despite agriculture sector having huge potential and thriving business a great percentage of youth do not aspire for a career in agriculture due to its poor profitability and low professional status; this has seen may youth exiting agricultural sector to other form of employment. Youthful population in Kenya make 75% of the total population and 70% of them are unemployed, this is according to KNBS economic survey 2013; therefore if agriculture receives full and active government backing, it will provide a great opportunity to young people who wish to engage in agricultural sector as entrepreneurs. Land tenure issues continue to impede many youths from engaging in agriculture, with the majority of youth using land without exclusive ownership rights. In addition, the results point to the fact that the youth are less likely to access credit, extension services and lack of access to agricultural infrastructure further put constraints on youth and this act as factors that push away youth out of agriculture