Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between farmer field school participation and youth participation in agriculture has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Selected States in South-West Nigeria where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Selected States in South-West Nigeria, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of farmer field school participation on youth participation in agriculture, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While farmer field school participation is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on youth participation in agriculture within Selected States in South-West Nigeria remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to farmer field school participation are helping or hindering youth participation in agriculture — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Farmer Field School Participation on youth participation in agriculture in Selected States in South-West Nigeria.
2. To assess the extent to which farmer field school participation influences youth participation in agriculture within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with farmer field school participation in relation to youth participation in agriculture.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing farmer field school participation in order to improve youth participation in agriculture.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of farmer field school participation on youth participation in agriculture in Selected States in South-West Nigeria?
2. To what extent does farmer field school participation influence youth participation in agriculture within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with farmer field school participation in relation to youth participation in agriculture?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize farmer field school participation in order to improve youth participation in agriculture?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around youth participation in agriculture. For managers and practitioners within Selected States in South-West Nigeria, the study provides practical insight into how farmer field school participation can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on agricultural extension and rural development by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to an examination of Farmer Field School Participation and its relationship with youth participation in agriculture within the context of Selected States in South-West Nigeria. It reflects a clearly defined scope of analysis and relies on data and perspectives available within that scope; generalizing the findings beyond this specific context should therefore be done with appropriate caution.