ATTITUDE OF TRAINED YOUTHS TOWARDS SOILLESS AGRICULTURE AS A CAREER OPTION IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the attitude of trained youths towards soilless agriculture as a career option in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 232 trained youths were selected using random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The findings revealed that trained youths had a high level of knowledge about soilless agriculture (89.75), indicating adequate awareness of its concepts and production practices. Major perceived benefits of pursuing soilless agriculture as a career included job creation (x̄ = 1.73), environmental sustainability (x̄ = 1.67), and adaptability to urban settings (x̄ = 1.64). The major challenges identified were limited access to funding (x̄ = 1.48), high start-up costs (x̄ = 1.45), and weak institutional support (x̄ = 1.32). A little above half (50.4%) of the respondents had a favourable attitude towards soilless agriculture as a career option, while 49.6% had an unfavourable attitude. PPMC analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between perceived benefits and attitude towards soilless agriculture (r = 0.180, P <0.01). The study concluded that trained youths possessed good knowledge and generally positive attitudes towards soilless agriculture, although financial, technical, and institutional barriers may limit career adoption. It is recommended that government agencies, financial institutions, educational institutions, NGOs, and private investors provide funding opportunities, strengthen technical training, and establish supportive policies to encourage youth participation in soilless agriculture.