THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES AMONG RURAL YOUTHS IN MAKURDI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Publication Type: Journal Article.
Publication Year: 2026
Author(s): Omaku, S.D., Buter, L.S., Ajema, I.D., Akoh, T.A., Umar, O.M. and Abdullahi, A.
Journal Name: (IJAEMD)
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the role of agricultural education in promoting sustainable farming practices among rural youths in Makurdi Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, Nigeria. Given escalating concerns about environmental degradation and food insecurity, promoting sustainable agricultural practices is increasingly critical, particularly in rural communities where agriculture constitutes the primary livelihood. The study aimed to: assess the extent to which agricultural education enhances awareness of sustainable farming techniques; evaluate the influence of such education on youths’ adoption of sustainable practices; and identify challenges confronting the implementation of agricultural education programmes. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population comprised 178 rural youths who were active members of Young Farmers’ Clubs in selected schools and communities in Makurdi LGA. A census approach was employed, and data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire consisting of 32 closed-ended items on a 4-point Likert scale. Content validity was established through expert review, and internal consistency was confirmed by a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.81. Data were analysed using mean scores and standard deviations, with a benchmark mean of 2.50 for item acceptance. Findings revealed that agricultural education significantly enhances students’ awareness of sustainable practices — including crop rotation, organic farming, soil conservation, and integrated pest management — and positively influences their environmental values and farming behaviour. The study concludes that integrating practical and theory-based agricultural education is vital in shaping environmentally responsible future farmers. Key recommendations include increased government funding, curriculum modernisation, and the expansion of community-based agricultural extension programmes.
Keywords: agricultural education, sustainable farming practices, rural youths, environmental conservation, Makurdi, Benue State