Youth inclusion in agricultural marketing co-operative societies in Ruangwa district, Tanzania

Abstract

Promoting youth inclusion in Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies (AMCOS) can contribute to co-operative development. The study explores factors affecting youth inclusion in Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies in Ruangwa District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study explored youth access to education and training on AMCOS; and secondly, it determined social and economic related factors affecting youth inclusion in AMCOS. The study adopted exploratory research design that involved 66 respondents who were not members of the Agricultural Marketing Co operative Societies in Ruangwa District. Purposive sampling was employed to obtain the respondents. Focus group discussion was employed to gather primary data. While content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data whereby actual statement of the key informants were reported to counter argue the quantitative data. The study found that youth access to education and training in agricultural co-operatives was a key motivation for youth to join Co-operatives. Access to land and capital was also mentioned as another motivational factor for the youth to join co-operatives. On gender perspective, deep-rooted socio-cultural norms and practices were reported among the contributing factors to low youth and women participation in co-operatives societies. The study concludes that access to education and training to youth might render into positive participation in AMCOS. The study recommends to policy makers to create enabling environment for youth to be involved in co-operatives. The study recommends the elders to improve access to capital and land among youth. Similarly, co-operative societies should conduct training to youth concerning co-operative development and for youth to establish their councils in order to promote the co-operative sectors.