Role and Constrants of Youth Associations in Agricultural and Rural Development: Evidence from Aguata L.G.A of Anambra State, Nigeria

The study assessed the role and constraints of youth association in agricultural and rural development in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A simple sampling technique was employed to select 100 youth associations used as Sample size for the study. Data were generated using Structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Both descriptive Statistics and mean score were employed in data analysis. From the analysis it was observed that youth associations in the area contribute greatly to agricultural development (provision of farm labour, direct production of crops and livestock, provision of agricultural informations to farmers) and rural development (construction and rehabilitation of rural roads, promotion of cultural heritage and mobilization of people in national events, supply of labour for community self help projects etc). Constraints to effective performance of youth associations were identified by the study to include inadequate fund, lack social amernities, non recognition of youths as partners in rural development by community power brokers , and lack of good leadership and leadership tussles. Based on the findings, the study recommended involvement of youth associations in rural development planning, and provision of funds to assist youths in their activities by donor agencies, among other recommendations.