Determinants of agriculture graduates’ involvement in farming activities in Bayelsa State

Abstract

Agriculture is vital to the socio-economic development of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, yet fewer agricultural graduates are engaging in farming. This study examines the determinants of agriculture graduate involvement in farming activities in Bayelsa State. It identifies the socioeconomic characteristics of agriculture graduates, the types of agricultural enterprises they engage in, determinants of involvement, and the constraints faced by graduate farmers. A survey research design was used to collect data from 100 Agriculture graduates of Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State from an online alumni platform using wellstructured questionnaire. Findings reveal that 37% of the sampled graduates studied Agricultural Economics and Extension, majority (70%) were male graduates, more than half (53%) of agriculture graduates were aged 20–30 years, majority (60%) of the graduates are single while 39% are married. Majority (55%) of the graduates engaged in agriculture, mainly poultry farming, cassava production, and vegetable farming. Their participation is driven by access to land, government support, and business aspirations, with poultry farming being the most preferred. Binary logistic regression results show that access to land, start-up capital, and income from other ventures significantly enhance participation, highlighting the role of financial resources and land ownership. Gender had a negative effect, suggesting women face more challenges. Age had a significant positive influence on participation. The study recommends low-interest loans, agribusiness training, and improved infrastructure to encourage young agriculture graduates to venture into farming, ensuring food security and economic growth in Bayelsa State.