DETERMINANTS OF YOUTH MIGRATION FROM AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated the determinants of the migration of youth in Benue State from agricultural activities using a multi stage survey research design. The population of the study comprised 90 households in the three zones in Benue state selected by simple random sampling. A sampling proportion of 5% was used and a sample size of 270 was drawn. The instrument for data collection was a self-developed questionnaire. Data collected was analysed using frequencies distribution, mean, standard deviation and probit regression to achieve the research objectives while chi square goodness of fit was used to test the hypothesis. The findings revealed that 69.0% of the youth involved in agricultural activities in the study area were within the ages of 26- 30 years old while few (7.7%) are of 31years and above. The findings of the study revealed that land tenure practices have high influence on agricultural land developmental activities of youth in the study area. The study found that there is a plethora of factors responsible for seasonal migration of youth in the study area and these includes; Lack of access to modern farming equipment and technology; limited economic opportunities in the agricultural sector. The study concludes that youth migration affects agricultural activities in the study area. The study therefore recommended among others, skills diversification programme that will equip youth in diverse skills beyond seasonal agricultural works that could be utilised all year round. Year round employment opportunities that would provide consistent employment for the youth, education and training initiatives that would focus on agricultural techniques and sustainable practices, access to financial resources and collaboration and networking between local governments, NGOS, and the private sectors.