ASSESSMENT OF YAM PRODUCTION TRAINNING NEEDS OF RURAL YOUTH IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF NIGER STATE ,NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the yam production training needs of rural youth in selected local Government Area of Niger state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select two hundred and twenty two ( 222) youths engaged in yam production. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire complemented by an interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and Tobit regression analysis were employed for data analysis. The result showed that respondents had a mean age of 27 years ,a mean household size of 5 persons and a mean farming experience of 9 years.77.9% of the respondents were males and 65.2% were married. Educational attainment revealed that 18.9% had primary education as against 44.1% that acquired secondary education .Respondents received training in seed yam production (90.5%),Yam mini-sett technology(88.7%),and marketing system(88.3%). Preferred training needs included yam mini-sett technology storage method and seed yam production .Tobit regression result indicated that age at p<0.05 and income at p<0.10 negatively influenced training needs while farming experience at p<0.01,extension contact at p<0.01 and access to credit at p<0.10 positively and significantly influenced training needs .This study concludes that rural youth remain actively engaged in yam production but require targeted capacity development .It recommends that Government agencies , non governmental organizations (NGOs),and extension services prioritize youth -focused training programmes to increase yam production.