Community Driven Development Horticulture Projects and Youth Economic Empowerment in Ruangwa District, Tanzania

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.