Youth Participation in Agricultural Co-operative Societies in Burundi: A Comparative Analysis of Costs and Benefits

Participation in agricultural co-operative societies (ACS) entails a mix of advantages and obstacles, particularly when focusing on youth. This study examines the costs and benefits of youth participation in agricultural co-operative societies (ACS) in Burundi's Northern Region. While membership fees and initial investments may create hurdles, these translate into long-term benefits like access to financial services and resources. Despite low youth participation, ACS offer significant potential. This study adopted a cross-sectional research design, with data collected through surveys, interviews and focus group discussions. A sample of 332 youth participants was selected using a combination of simple random, systematic random, and purposive sampling techniques. The study employed Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR) analysis to evaluate financial viability along with content analysis for non-quantifiable factors. The study found a positive CBR of 1.6, indicating economic viability. Key benefits for youth members included increased income, skills development and improved access to agricultural inputs and markets. However, participating in ACS requires some costs such as membership fees, costs of capital investments and administrative overhead costs. Despite these drawbacks, the study concluded that the benefits of youth participation in ACS outweigh the costs. The findings suggest that youth participation in ACS is not only economically feasible but also crucial for the sector's sustainable development. To further enhance youth engagement, the study recommends targeted support measures like financial incentives, training programs, and infrastructure development.