PERCEPTIONS AND PREPAREDNESS FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN AGRICULTURE AMONG FINAL-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, offering significant opportunities for employment and innovation.However, youth unemployment persists, with many young graduates perceiving agriculture as a less attractive career path due to challenges such as limited access to capital, inadequate skills, and market uncertainties.This study investigates the perceptions and entrepreneurial readiness of final-year undergraduate students at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) for self-employment in the agricultural sector.A descriptive survey design was employed, involving a stratified random sample of 202 students drawn from a population of 1,344.Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Key findings indicate that 84% of students perceive self-employment in agriculture as a viable career option, with no significant gender differences (p = 0.620).While 76% acknowledged the risks of market uncertainties, the difference in risk perception between genders was insignificant (p = 0.591).Opportunities for innovation in agriculture were positively perceived, with 85% of respondents agreeing, and no significant variations across demographics (p > 0.500).Self-efficacy emerged as a critical factor, with 81% expressing confidence in acquiring the necessary skills for self-employment.Regression analysis revealed that prior exposure to entrepreneurial training ( = 0.45, p < 0.001) and practical International Journal of Current Research and Applied Studies (IJCRAS) Vol 4 Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2025 internships ( = 0.32, p < 0.01) significantly enhanced students' preparedness.The findings underscore the need for targeted curricular and extracurricular interventions to foster entrepreneurial skills and mitigate barriers to agricultural self-employment.These insights provide a foundation for policy and institutional reforms aimed at empowering youth in agricultural entrepreneurship.