International Journal of Social Science Tomorrow

Vol. 1 No. 6

Youth Participation in Community Development: Evidence from Yakurr Local Government Area Cross River State
J. B. EFFIONG, Department of Agricultural Economics/Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar

Abstract
Experts in development programmes have argued that voluntary sector should be better placed to articulate the needs of the people. This study examined youth participation in community development in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were collected from rural youths through the use of a properly designed questionnaire administered to 90 respondents. The respondents were randomly selected from ten communities in the study area. The data were analyzed using frequency, distribution, percentage and charts. The result of the study revealed the socio-economic characteristics of the youths. They are age 31-40 years (42%), marital status of majority of the youths (44%), most of the youths are traders (34%). Their highest income level ranged from N21,000-N30,000 per month at (34%) frequency. Based on the study, some of the existing youth organizations in the study area were; political associations (44.44%), social organizations (22.22%), Religious groups (16.67%), cultural organizations (6.7%) and agricultural related clubs (10%). The result revealed some community development projects executed by the youths in the study area such as infrastructural development projects (11.11%), sports development (18.9%), Human empowerment (22.22%), peace/unity (18.89%), agricultural production (16.67%) and humanitarian services (12.22%). The study also pointed out some major challenges faced by the youths in community development. These include inadequate funding (37.8%), poor leadership (16.7%), lack of interest by the youths (14.4%), lack of training (11%), parental influence (10%), conflict (3.3%) and government neglect (6.7%). The study also made meaningful recommendations that could foster youth participation in community development to buttress the saying that youths are the leaders of tomorrow. ISSN: 2277-6168 August|2012 www.ijsst.com Page | 1

International Journal of Social Science Tomorrow Keywords: Youths, Community Development, Participation, Yakurr Local Government Area

Vol. 1 No. 6

1. Introduction
Rural youths come together in order to help in the realization of agricultural programmes, goals and objectives of serving all persons in the communities in a highly relevant and responsive manner through cooperation, (Ben 2009). Opinions prevail about the meaning of the term youth. Some view the youths as young boys and girls, some other people may see them as mature boys and girls. In different parts of the world, specific criteria are used to judge who a youth is and who a youth is not. For example, in India, constitutional definition suggests that a person that is more than 21 years is an adult, (Adesope 2007). He further states that youths fall within 18 and 30 years of age and this has always been the general guide for the definition of youth. A critical challenge for sustainable agricultural and community development in Nigeria is the mobilization of the large number of youths as active participants in the development process. It is common to people above 30 years who form themselves into youth groups for economic and social reasons. The idea of co-operation towards community development is a very common and age long phenomenon, (Adejumobi, 1991). Government in developing nations are aware of this, but give attention to it later than expected. The former approach towards development was the polarizing of economic activities in cities, leaving lagging regions to fend for self existence till the spread and multiplier effects of industrial establishments at the centre would transform their local economy. Community development is clearly designed to increase production and raise productivity. It recognizes that improved food supplies and nutrition, together with basic services such as health and education, could only directly improve the physical well-being and quality of life of the rural poor, (Onuekwusi et al 2002). Community development has become a very topical issue in many parts of the world, especially among the developing countries, (Ani 1999). Time and again people have stressed the importance of creating conducive atmospheres and environments for the inhabitants of the rural areas. According to Ani (1999) and Nwosu (2010), these rural areas are characterized by abject poverty, malnutrition, diseases, illiteracy and poor health facilities among others. Policies and strategies have often been formulated to redress these situations and create room to improve the standard of living of the people. Man has always attempted to improve his life situations with available knowledge and resources. The programme of rural development has been the concern of successive governments in Nigeria. For this reason, each regime has made its own attempt by devising or adopting one approach or the other in order to implement its development policies. While some of these programmes were successful, others did not achieve the desired objectives, thus leading to their inability to eliminate rural poverty and underdevelopment, (Okpaga 2002). Apart from the low investment efforts of Government in community development programmes, many Government activities both at the state and federal levels had little impact on the recipients, because the beneficiaries were not involved at the initial stage of planning. These beneficiaries were also not fully carried along at the final stage of execution, (Abegunde, 2004). Government contributions to local organizations in Nigeria were grossly inadequate, hence the need for government to be actively involved in local organization. Before the involvement of community organizations in community development, most rural development projects meant for the local people were not successful in creating the desired impact on the lives of the people. This is due to the fact that the intended beneficiaries are not always involved in community development efforts. Akinola (2000) also reports that local peoples involvement in community projects is low because they have little or no voice in community development policies. Optimal development requires the harnessing of a countrys assets, its capital, human and natural resources to meet demand from its population as comprehensively as possible, Udokang (2011). Community development projects encompass rural infrastructure and this consists of physical, social, institutional and rural farm infrastructure. These projects contribute immensely to the development of rural areas, (Nwosu 2010). Rural roads facilitate the transportation of both farm input and output to and from the rural areas at reduced cost, (Akinola, 2000). Beside Government efforts, various community organizations and non-governmental organizations have made concerted efforts in contributing to the provision of infrastructures in many communities particularly in Nigeria, (Nwagbara 2001).

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2. Methodology
The study was done in Yakurr Local Government Area, Yakurr is in the central part of Cross River State Nigeria with the headquarters at Ugep urban. The Local Government consists of two clans with eight (8) communities. These are Assiga, Agoi, Ekori, Idomi, Inyima, Mpani, Nko and Ugep urban. It is bounded to the north by Obubra, to the South by Biase, to the west by Abi and to the East by Etung and Boki Local Government Areas. Yakurr Local Government Area has an estimated population of 263,532 people and a land mass of about 670,4385 square kilometers. The people are predominantly farmers. Apart from farming, they are engaged in the processing of wild palm fruits, tailoring, welding, trading and cassava processing for sale and consumption. Livestock reared by the people are mainly ruminants; goats, pigs and non ruminants; chicken, duck fowl and dogs. Some Yakurr people are fishermen. The study employed the purposive and random sampling techniques. Ten communities in Yakurr Local Government Area were purposively selected. These communities are located in the remote areas of the local government and were selected because of the people complains of few neglect in the area.

3. Results and Discussion

Table 1: Socio-Economic characteristics of the youths
Variables Sex Male Female Total Age (years) 0-20 21 30 31 40 41 50 51 > Total Marital status Married Single Divorced Widowed Educational level No Education Primary Education Secondary Education Higher Education Total Occupation Fishing Artisans Lumbering Civil Servant Trading Farming Total Personal Income (N) 0 20,000 21,000 30,000 31,000 40,000 40,000 > Total Frequency 58 32 90 9 11 38 24 8 90 40 30 9 11 4 15 26 45 90 15 7 4 11 31 22 90 18 31 22 19 90 Percentage % 64.44 35.56 100 10 12.22 42.22 26.67 8.87 100 44.44 33.33 10.00 12.22 44.44 16.66 28.88 50.00 100 16.67 7.78 4.44 12.22 34.44 24.442 100 20 34.44 24.44 21.11 100

Source: Field survey 2011

Table I: personal, socio-economic, psychological and cultural characteristics have their various and specific effects on youth participation in community development and output, (Udoh 2001). The table shows that majority of the respondents i.e 64.44% were male, while the female counterparts had 35.56%, an indication of male dominance in community development in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. In the case of the age of youths who participate in community development, the highest participating age group of 42.22% was found to occur. These youth participants were sound to be between the ages of 31 40 years. ISSN: 2277-6168 August|2012 www.ijsst.com Page | 3

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26.67% of the respondents were between the ages of 41 50 years, while 12.22% of the respondents were 21 30 years of age. 8.87% and 10% were of 51 years and above and 0- 20 years respectively. The table also shows the marital status of the respondents in the study area. 44.44% were married, 33.33% were single, while 12.12% and 10% were widowed and divorced respectively. The high percentage of married men and women in the study area is an indication of preference for marriage by the people of Yakurr Local Government Area. The table also shows that 44.4% of the respondents had no formal education, while 16.66% of them had just primary education. Also, 28.8% were at the secondary level of education. 50% of them had acquired tertiary education this is seen to be due to the proximity of the Local Government to some State and Federal Government owned tertiary institutions, such as the Cross River State University of Technology, College of Education, College of Health Technology and University of Calabar. Educational attainment is seen to be a major factor in community development and decision making processes. There are many kinds of jobs; we have part-time and full time jobs. Those who work part-time are usually engaged in other jobs. The table above shows that the respondents were in full time trade in the following fields; fishing activities (16.67%), sales/trading (34.44%), civil service (12.22%). Those respondents who were into lumbering as a source of earning a living were (4.44%), while artisans were about (7.7%) of the population under study. The high number of respondents engaged in one activity or the other as source of livelihood is an indication that most of the youths were in community development service part-time and on voluntary service to their communities. The table also shows the income level of the youths who participate in community development in the study area. According to the table, 34.44% of the respondents earn between N21,000 N30,000 and form majority of the respondents interviewed in the area. Others were 20% who earn below N20,000. 24.44% of the respondents earned between N31,000 and N40,000 as monthly income, while 21.11% received more than N40,000 as their monthly pay. Personal financial disposition is said to have direct effect on community participation. Aroh (2010) states that the rural society in most developing countries lack funds to tackle community development activities including agriculture. They lack funds to buy fertilizers and seedlings for agricultural use. Also, Governments do not provide these things for them. The constraints of rural organizations seem to be endless. Lack of funds is one of the major factors. Also, available income has been seen to be a boost to community development. Individuals who enjoy good pay packages may be more willing to make voluntary donations towards the development of their communities. Table 2: Existing youth organizations in the study area.
Variable Agric Related Clubs Social Associations Religious Associations Political Associations Cultural Groups Total Frequency 9 20 15 40 6 90 Percentage % 10.0 22.22 16.67 44.44 6.76 100

Source: Field survey 2011

Table 2 shows the various youth organizations present in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. According to the table, agriculture related groups which included livestock farmers associations, cassava growers associations, among others were (10%), social organizations (22.22%), religious associations (16.67%) while political associations and cultural groups constituted 44.44% and (6.7%) respectively. The high number of political groups/associations is probably due to the conducive political atmosphere in the study area. Investigations revealed that participation in the organizations was voluntary. Akpabio (2005) has stated succinctly that, the youth have special characteristics which endear them to be considered to play important roles in community and agricultural development. They are said to have the ability and the power to initiate action. They are skilful and energetic, especially in enterprises that need heavy and sustained physical effort. They also have the ability to engage in high-risk enterprises that offer high and/or quick returns. Table 3: Youth Employment Ratio in Nigeria
Age Both sexes 15 19 20 24 Male 15 -19 20 24 Female 15 19 20 - 24 1980 54.11 65.09 69.39 86.58 38.48 43. 24 1990 51.28 62.58 66.50 84.27 35.64 40.53 1995 49.41 63.62 63.27 83.80 35.12 42.93 2000 47.51 64.61 60.03 83.33 34. 59 45.33 2010 43.75 67.17 53.56 82.42 33.60 51.43

Source: Adapted from Akpabio 2005

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According to Akpabio (2005), youths faced with the injustices reported above have no option but to work as family or casual labour from a very early stage with the expectations to contribute most, if not all earnings in support of the family and community. In recent times, The State and Federal Governments of Nigeria have instituted several porgrammes in conjunction with some donor agencies to engage the youths of Yakurr Local Government Areas. Such programmes include; Cross River State FADAMA III project, Commercial Agriculture Project, MPP9 Project, Agricultural Development Projects, Rural Agricultural Finance Programme and several development projects among others. Table 4: Development efforts of the respondents
Variable Yakurr infrastructural dev. Projects Sport development Yakurr human empowerment scheme Yakurr Peace/Unity initiative Yakurr Agriculture development Yakurr Humanitarian service Total Frequency 10 17 20 17 15 11 90 Percentage % 11.11 18.89 22.22 18.89 16.67 12.22 100.00

Source: Field survey 2011

The study also examined the development efforts of youths which in turn facilitated community development in Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State. The data indicates that the youths have contributed to the development of the study area in no small measure. The report is as follows: Yakurr infrastructural project development initiative (11.11%), sports development and training of other youths in different kinds of sport (18.89%). According to the table, human empowerment and job creation among youths in the study stood at about (22.22%) and peace and unity initiative (18.89%). The study discovered that the youths have achieved huge success in initiating peace and unity in the study area. Youths in the area are also not left out in the agricultural development programmes instituted by individuals, groups and government as shown in the table. The percentage of their contribution stands at 16.67%. The study also indicated that the percentage of humanitarian activities engage in by youths was 12.22%. The illustrations above agrees with Ben (2009), who pointed out that service organizations provide services to their members. These service cooperatives include; agriculture cooperatives, humanitarian services and infrastructural services organizations.

4. Constraints to Youths Participation in Community Development

Fig. I: Distribution of Respondents based on perceived challenges to participation in community development.

Source: Field survey 2011

Fig. I shows the challenges faced by youths involvement in community development. The result indicated that inadequate funding (37.8%) hamper the execution of major developmental projects in the community. Most youth organizations depend on voluntary donations by members or other organizations for the execution of their projects. Poor leadership within the organization (16.7%), is another major factor affecting youth participation in rural development in the study area. Respondents complained that some leaders could not give proper account of their stewardship in the organizations. Also, 14.4% of the respondents indicated that lack of interest by community members was a limiting factor towards rural development in the area. Another constraint to youth participation in development according to Figure I, is the issue of lack of training, which stood at 11%. Adesope (2007) submittes that, many youths have been trained in one form of formal education or the other, but these young people who are formally educated still lack specific skills that can make them perform technical task in ISSN: 2277-6168 August|2012 www.ijsst.com Page | 5

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their locality. He further stated that since the youths are lacking in skills, it is difficult to make a living in the rural areas, because they are ill-prepared and not ready for the demand of rural development. 10% of the respondents indicated that some parents refuse to allow their wards take part in community development activities. This action apparently hampers youth participation in community development activities. Though there is Governments presence in Yakurr Local Government Area, the respondents reported Governments neglect especially in the area of loan facilities, rural water supply and youth employment. Other factors indicated by the respondents were communal conflicts (3.3%) and community members generally poor attitude towards developmental activities.

5. Conclusion and Recommendations

From the study, most of the rural youths in Yakurr Local Government Area were involved in community development activities. Also most of the rural youths spend most of their time on community development activities while others are involved in part-time service to their communities. A greater percentage of the youths formed themselves into various groups. Such groups include agriculture related clubs, social associations, religious, political and cultural groups. Furthermore, it can be said that the development efforts of the respondents were visible in the areas of infrastructural development, human empowerment, peace and unity, agriculture services and humanitarian activities. However some constraints to community development exist in Yakurr Local Government Area. They include inadequate funding, lack of training and lack of interest in community service.

6. Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proffered; Communities should be encouraged to form meaningful youth organizations which through their selfless services will serve as instrument of development to such communities. There is need to establish community youth programmes that directly relate to youth work in Yakurr Local Government Area. International and Local Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should encourage the rural youths by creating impact through the provision of rural water and sanitation facilities, health care facilities, educational facilities among others, in the local communities. Government should create policies that would enable youths benefit from government gestures thereby partnering with them in order to bring meaningful development to the rural communities.
J. B. EFFIONG, Department of Agricultural Economics/Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar

References
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