The Influence of Land Inheritance Systems on Youth Participation in Agriculture Production: A case study of Badugu Ward in Bariadi District, Tanzania

Despite the recognized importance of youth participation in agricultural production for food security, Cash crop production and rural development, its engagement among youth in Tanzania remains remarkably low. In Badugu Ward, Bariadi District, for instance, only about 30% of youth participate in agricultural production despite abundant family land. This study explored the influence of land inheritance systems on youth participation in agricultural production in Badugu Ward, Bariadi District in Simiyu Region, Tanzania. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study focuses on the lived experiences of thirty (30) youth participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews, Focus Group Discussions and observation, analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-step framework. Findings reveal that decisions are heavily influenced by elders authority, clan norms and gendered inheritance practices, where the credibility of family elders and the rigidity of cultural norms significantly shape youth access to land. Notably, social pressures, particularly from elders and male family members, discourage youth, especially women, from claiming land. Recommendations emphasize enhancing community engagement through consistent communication, education initiatives, and leveraging peer testimonials to foster trust and mitigate uncertainty about land transfer. Overall, the study highlights the complexity of socio-cultural dynamics in agricultural land access and suggests that effective strategies for promoting youth participation must address these collective influences.