The Strategic Participation of Young People in Shrimp Farming Value Chain in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates aged operators’ willingness to quit operations and youths’ inclusion in shrimp value chain. Primary data were obtained using structured questionnaire from randomly selected 120 shrimp operators. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyze collected data. Demographic result suggests that majority (82.50%) of the operators were female and (52.50%) acquired secondary education. The finding shows that aged people (70.83%) dominated shrimp value chain with 29.17% inclusion rate for young actors. Result of hypothesis testing shows that the average income realized by youths is significantly higher than the net income realized aged. About 48% of the aged operators indicated willingness to quit shrimp harvesting in the future due to the drudgery involved. Incentives such as grants, loans and aquaculture – specific education should be given to the youth to encourage more participation. Youths should form important component of government policy and programmes for the development of shrimp industry in Nigeria.

Keywords

• aged labour population
• captured- shrimp value chain
• financial performance
• youth inclusion rate