Youth Participation in Agricultural Co-operative Societies in Burundi

Abstract

Participation in agricultural cooperative societies (ACS) entails a mix of advantages and obstacles. When examining youth participation in these ACS, costs and benefits become subject of debate. While membership fees, investment capital, administrative costs, and salaries may initially appear as hurdles, they actually lead to valuable benefits such as access to financial services and resources, empowering them to drive socioeconomic growth. Despite low youth participation in ACS, it is essential to recognize and harness the potential benefits of ACS. This study was conducted in the Northern Region of Burundi with primarily objective to evaluate economic viability of ACS and their benefits to their youth members. It performed a comparative analysis of the costs and benefits associated with youth participation in ACS. Surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions were conducted with a sample of 332 individuals, including youth members and leaders in cooperative framework. The Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR) analysis was used to evaluate quantitative data on financial viability, while content analysis assessed non-quantifiable costs and benefits. The study found that youth involvement in ACS resulted in a positive cost-benefit ratio of CBR = 1.6, with key benefits including increased income, skill development, and better access to agricultural resources and markets. Youth members reported improvements in economic status and personal growth. Despite the drawbacks, the study concluded that the benefits of youth participation in ACS outweigh the costs. This suggests that youth involvement is not only economically feasible but also crucial for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. To further enhance these positive outcomes, the study recommends that policymakers and stakeholders in ACS implement targeted support measures, including financial incentives, training programs, and infrastructure development, to encourage and sustain youth engagement in ACS.