Abstract

The study assessed youth participation in West African Agricultural Productivity Project in Akwa Ibom State. A multi- stage sampling procedure was adopted to select 82 respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire was used in collecting data for the study. Analysis of data was carried out using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency, percentages and means. Findings from the study showed that the major sources of information about WAAPP were from Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo (72.3%), friends (14.4%), and Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Agriculture (6.0%). The major activities participated by youths were identification of project needs (m=2.63) and group formations (m=2.64). Perceived effects of participation showed a positive effect of WAAPP-UNIUYO collaborative programme in the areas of teamwork (m= 2.67), access to inputs (m=2.82), self-confidence (m=2.61), high productivity (m=2.67), easy access to extension services (m=2.38), income generation (m=2.68) and decision making ability (m=2.52). On constraints to youths participation in WAAPPUNIUYO activities, poor social value on agricultural based livelihood (m=2.81), poor income on agricultural based livelihood (m=2.72), cultural barriers (m=2.70), family issues (m=2.68), poor marketing structure (m=2.64), among others turned significant. It was recommended that WAAPP officials and its partners intensify efforts in the areas of timely input supply and social/marketing structure for better operation of WAAPP

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