Authors : J.U. Mgbada and A.C. Agumagu
Abstract: The study was to investigate the role of local leaders in sustainable agricultural production as it implies to youth in Imo State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 300 farmers and 60 local leaders from the three zones that make up the State. Two sets of structured questionnaire were used to collect data from the farmers and the local leaders. The data collected were analysed using percentages, means, frequency distribution and ordinary least square regression analysis. The results show that both male and female adults are involved in local leadership and the major roles played by the local leaders are settling disputes in the local areas and organising youths and other farmers into groups for agricultural production. The result of the regression analysis shows that educational level, occupation, membership of organisation, household size, years of experience, nature of household and age are important factors in influencing the performance of the local leaders while sex and marital status did not influence their performance. Lack of finance and low educational level were identified as the major constraints to their performance. It is therefore, recommended that extra training should be given to the local leaders and social amenities also should be put in place to enhance their performance.
J.U. Mgbada and A.C. Agumagu , 2007. Role of Local Leaders in Sustainable Agricultural Production in Imo State Implication for Youth in Agriculture . Journal of Economics Theory, 1: 1-5.