Youth involvement in rice production: A panacea for youth restiveness in Anambra State, Nigeria

There is a great concern about youth restiveness due to growing unemployment in Nigeria, whereas agriculture is a huge business space with the potential for youth involvement and employment. The study sought to ascertain the level of youths' involvement in rice production in Anambra State, Nigeria. Eighty youths were purposively selected because of the preponderance of rice production in the area. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and multiple linear regression. The study revealed that youths were into the planting of rice seedlings, buying and selling of seedlings, harvesting, and fertilizer application. Sex and level of education significantly influenced youths' involvement in rice production. The youths were constrained majorly by the high cost of inputs, and lack of funds to expand production. Adequate and comprehensive training on rice production and enforcement of practical agriculture curricula in schools were identified as possible strategies for improving youths' involvement in rice production. The study concluded that youth were into rice production though influenced by their level of education and sex. The government should make rice production attractive to the youth by eliminating the constraining factors associated with it.