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Assessing the Performance and Participation among Young Male and Female Entrepreneurs in Agribusiness: A Case Study of the Rice and Maize Subsectors in Cameroon

Author

Listed:
  • Djomo Choumbou Raoul Fani

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon)

  • Ukpe Udeme Henrietta

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University, Wukari, Wukari P.MB. 1020, Taraba State, Nigeria)

  • Emmanuel Njock Oben

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon)

  • Donald Denen Dzever

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Makurdi P.M.B. 2373, Benue State, Nigeria)

  • Onyeje Hephzibah Obekpa

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Makurdi P.M.B. 2373, Benue State, Nigeria)

  • Auguste Tamba Nde

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Bayero University, Kano P.M.B. 3011, Kano State, Nigeria)

  • Mohamadou Sani

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Makurdi P.M.B. 2373, Benue State, Nigeria)

  • Mbong Grace Annih

    (Department of Crop Production Technology, University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Cameroon
    Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1639, Cameroon)

  • Dontsop Nguezet Paul Martin

    (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Bukavu 0970 DR, Congo)

Abstract

The role played by youth in agriculture cannot be overemphasized, while agribusinesses are important generators of employment and income worldwide. Improving the sustainability of food value chains can benefit millions of rural poor people living in developing countries, especially young women. Despite policies and programs aimed at encouraging agricultural entrepreneurs, they are still facing challenges such as high-cost agrochemicals, limited access to credit, price volatility, etc. which seriously affect their capacity to remain in the sector. This study was undertaken to assess the performance and participation of young male and female entrepreneurs. This study made use of cross-section data from a survey conducted on 1019 young agricultural entrepreneurs in Cameroon. The data were analyzed using gross margin, student t-test, and logistic regression. Our study contributes to the literature by showing that young women agribusiness entrepreneurs are as competitive as their male counterparts and that the opportunities for young women in agriculture are good. Incentives such as single-digit interest rates and no collateral security should be directed to young women to receive more credit for purchasing agrochemicals and improved varieties of seed. Furthermore, a price control policy should be set up throughout the year to enable young women earn as their young men counterparts to enable them remain in production and marketing activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Djomo Choumbou Raoul Fani & Ukpe Udeme Henrietta & Emmanuel Njock Oben & Donald Denen Dzever & Onyeje Hephzibah Obekpa & Auguste Tamba Nde & Mohamadou Sani & Mbong Grace Annih & Dontsop Nguezet Paul M, 2021. "Assessing the Performance and Participation among Young Male and Female Entrepreneurs in Agribusiness: A Case Study of the Rice and Maize Subsectors in Cameroon," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-19, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:5:p:2690-:d:509209
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nurul Atiqah Binti Mohd Suib & Norlida Hanim Mohd Salleh & Mohd Fazim Ahmad, 2023. "The economic well-being of smallholders and challenges during COVID-19 pandemic: A review," Agricultural Economics, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 69(1), pages 35-44.
    2. Eileen Nchanji & Patricia Acheampong & Siri Bella Ngoh & Victor Nyamolo & Lutomia Cosmas, 2024. "Comparative analysis of youth transition in bean production systems in Ghana and Cameroon," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Mortala Boye & Abdul Ghafoor & Abdulazeez Hudu Wudil & Muhammad Usman & Piotr Prus & Alexander Fehér & Roman Sass, 2024. "Youth Engagement in Agribusiness: Perception, Constraints, and Skill Training Interventions in Africa: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-26, January.

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