Effect of Agribusiness Clusters and Youth Policy Engagement on Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices among Young Agripreneurs in Southwest Nigeria
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Abstract
The agricultural sector in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including insufficient youth engagement and limited adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, despite its potential for economic growth and employment. This study investigates the effect of agribusiness clusters and youth policy engagement on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among youth agripreneurs in Southwest Nigeria. Adopting a cross-sectional survey design, the study sampled 369 youth participants from Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti states, who participated in agribusiness training programmes funded by national and international development partners. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression analysis, the findings revealed that agribusiness clusters (β = 0.29, t = 5.44, p < 0.05) and youth policy engagement (β = 0.43, t = 8.17, p < 0.05) significantly predicted the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. The study highlights the importance of collaborative networks and inclusive policymaking in promoting sustainability and recommends investing in agribusiness clusters as hubs for innovation and fostering youth participation in policy development. These approaches are critical to empowering youth, enhancing sustainability and driving agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
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