Abstract:
Tanzania, like any other developing countries, has established different policies to
promote youth empowerment which might improve the quality of life in terms of
economic independence. This called for establishment of the community driven
development CDD projects for the aim of empowering youth economically. The aim of
this research was to assess the contributions of CDD Horticulture Projects in youth
Economic Empowerment in Ruangwa District. Specific objectives were to examine the
activities undertaken by youth farmers; determine the modality of implementing CDD
horticultural projects; examine the benefits accrued by youth farmers; and examine the
constraints facing youth in implementing CDD projects. The study adopted Descriptive
research design which involved a sample size of 216 respondents. A Purposive
sampling was employed in obtaining respondents. Data was collected using structured
questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussion. Data was analysed using
descriptive statistics. The study found that youth are engaging in agricultural activities
such as horticultural crop production and selling of the produce for income earning. The
project was implemented under a group basis. Further, about 60% of youth get little
benefits from CDD implementation at t= (-0.37< P <0.005) value in one sample of test
statistics at 95%. And are facing challenges upon implementation of the project. The
study concludes that, Wald test of 9.71 indicates that 40% of the youth has been
positively empowered. The study recommended that, Ruangwa District Executive
Director through youth empowerment projects should continuously offer technical,
financial and information supportive to youths aimed at increasing quality and quantity
of harvest to achieve an everlasting impact of youth economic independence.
