Participation In Community Development Activities by Members of Youth Groups in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study assessed the level of youth group members’ participation in community development activities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of youths, examined their attitude towards community development, evaluated the level of participation in these activities, identified the various community development projects executed, and analyzed the factors affecting youth participation in community development. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 150 respondents, ensuring representation across the six Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme zones. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Findings revealed that 58% of respondents were male, 36% were aged 26-35, and 43% had tertiary education. Various youth groups were identified, with the majority of youths expressing a positive attitude towards community development, though participation levels varied across groups. Factors such as education, income, and leadership roles significantly influenced youth participation. The study concluded that while youth groups play a critical role in community development, their full potential is hindered by economic constraints and inadequate government support. It was recommended that the government and relevant agencies should increase financial and infrastructural support to enhance youth participation in community development initiatives.
Keywords
Community development
participation
members of youth groups
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