Drivers of youth participation in maize value addition in Gulu district, Uganda

Abstract

This study focused on drivers of youth participation in maize value addition in Gulu district. The study identified the socioeconomic characteristics of the participating and non-participating youth and further ascertained the drivers of youth participation in maize value addition. A cross sectional household survey was conducted in Gulu district in two selected sub-counties and two divisions. Data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 168 participating and non-participating youth in maize value addition using structured questionnaires. SPSS and StataSE13 software were used for data analysis. Independent t- and chi-square tests were used to ascertain if significant differences existed between the participating and non-participating youth in maize value addition. A probit model was used to estimate the determinants of youth participation in maize value addition. Our results revealed that participating youth differed from their non-participating counterparts by age, education, experience in maize value addition, access to market, and location. Factors which significantly influenced youth participation included age, education, land size for maize production, location, access to market, training and extension. The study recommends that targeted training be organized for youth in areas of value addition technologies and strategic business location to enhance successful participation in agri-value chains.

Keywords:

• maize
• participation
• probit
• youth
• value addition

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.