Effectiveness of entrepreneurship development programme in the agribusiness sector in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Support (YEASA) program in the agribusiness sector of Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, focusing on its contributions to local economic activities between 2017 and 2020. With a response rate of 96.15% (125 valid responses out of 130 distributed questionnaires), the study provides reliable insights into the program's impact. Employing descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and reliability analyses using SPSS Version 29, the findings are structured around three specific objectives: assessing improvements in quality of life, examining employment generation, and evaluating contributions to local economic development. Demographic analysis revealed that 66.4% of participants were aged 26-40, with nearly equal gender representation (52% male, 48% female). Educational attainment was high, with 72.8% holding at least a bachelor's degree. Motivational factors primarily included improving income prospects and achieving better long-term futures. Participants reported significant improvements in well-being, with increased confidence and living standards. Employment generation was a notable success, as 94% acknowledged YEASA’s contribution to job creation. YEASA also contributed to local economic growth, with 84.2% agreeing it improves economic development. However, government support remains insufficient, with participants expressing dissatisfaction regarding funding and loans. These findings highlight YEASA's positive impact while underscoring the critical need for policy enhancements, particularly in providing targeted financial support and creating a more enabling regulatory environment, to fully unlock the program's potential.