Exploring youth perceptions in choosing employment in the agricultural production sector in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Engaging youth in agricultural production is essential, particularly given the high unemployment rates among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa, which reached 13.1% (International Labour Organization [ILO], ILO Employment Bull 45(3):13–19, 2020. 10.1016/j.iloemp.2020.045003). This study uses logistic regression analysis to explore the factors influencing youth decisions to pursue agriculture as a means of reducing unemployment which is escalating. Morogoro Municipal Council in Tanzania was selected for the study due to its strategic location and semi-migrant youth population. A sample of 159 respondents participated in a survey to understand their perceived choices in agricultural employment. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire survey. Data analysis used logistic regression model. The analysis identified several statistically significant predictors. Notably, being male (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.48804, p < 0.01) and having an agricultural background (OR = 0.59836, p < 0.01) were associated with decreased odds of youth choosing agricultural production sector as an employer. Conversely, higher income (OR = 0.164406, p < 0.01) and access to credit (OR = 0.90387, p < 0.01) significantly increased the likelihood of youth engaging in agricultural production sector. Other significant factors included access to extension services, farm size, participation in agricultural workshops, and farming experience, all positively influencing youth choices. In contrast, higher education levels were negatively associated with agricultural engagement. These findings provide valuable insights for developing targeted policies to encourage youth participation in agriculture and address unemployment.