YOUTHS ENGAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVES: A STRATEGY TO REDUCE UNEMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL VICES IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Agricultural co-operatives have traditionally been seen as a means of enhancing productivity, rural development and providing youths opportunities for skill-building, teamwork and community engagement among others. While previous researches had noted co-operatives' role in socio-economic development, gaps exist in their effectiveness for engaging youths. This study therefore centred on youths engagement in agricultural co-operatives as a strategy to reduce unemployment and social vices in Enugu State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and carried out in Enugu East and Nkanu East Local Government Areas of Enugu State respectively, with 271 members from 13 selected registered primary co-operative societies, who are predominantly farmers and youth based, sampled. Data were analyzed in frequency tables, simple percentages and mean with the aid of a 5-point likert scale, while hypotheses were tested using Pearson Correlation Co-efficient. Results showed that youth engagement in agricultural co-operatives had a significant positive relationship with reduction in unemployment (r = 0.423 < 0.983 p <0.05) and social vices (r = 0.462 < 0.966, p <0.05 in Enugu State. The study concluded that youths engagement in agricultural co-operatives significantly reduces unemployment and social vices in Enugu State, fostering socioeconomic development. State government should invest in agricultural co-operatives for youth employment to reduce unemployment rates in Enugu State; State government should support youth-focused co-operative programs to mitigate social vices through increased productive engagement. This study enhances understanding of how agricultural co-operatives empower youth, reduce unemployment, and link participation to improved social behavior and decreased social vices.