Enforcing Rural Youths through Nonformal Agricultural Skills Acquisition Programs For Building Inclusive Society in Rivers State

Abstract

The study investigated rural youths through non-formal agricultural skills acquisition for building inclusive
society in Rivers State, Rural youths in Rivers State continue to face challenges of unemployment, poverty, and
social exclusion, despite the region’s vast agricultural potential. These conditions have contributed to rural–urban
migration, reduced productivity, and weakened social cohesion. Non-formal agricultural skills acquisition
programs present an alternative pathway for equipping young people with practical competencies outside the
conventional school system, thereby enhancing empowerment and inclusivity. Three research questions and three
hypotheses were formulated for the study, the study adopted a descriptive research design, total of 200 participants
(115 males and 85 females) were selected using multistage sampling technique, and data were collected from rural
youths through structured questionnaires and interviews. Findings revealed that participation in non-formal
agricultural training significantly improved skills in crop production, aquaculture, agro-processing, and
agribusiness management, which increased employability and income generation. The programmes also promoted
social integration by reducing idleness, curbing restiveness, and enhancing youths’ contributions to community
development. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, weak institutional support, and limited access to
modern farming technologies, and lack of start-up capital hindered programme effectiveness. The study concludes
that non-formal agricultural skills acquisition is a vital tool for empowering rural youths and fostering inclusivity
in Rivers State. It recommends increased government support, strengthened public–private partnerships, provision
of agricultural credit facilities, and integration of modern technologies, including ICT, into training curricula to
ensure sustainability. By strategically investing in non-formal agricultural education, policymakers can unlock
the potential of rural youths and a more inclusive and sustainable society.