Socio-Demographic Factors and Youth Participation in Community Development Programmes in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated socio-demographic factors and youth participation in community development (CD) programmes in Calabar Municipality. The objectives of the study were to examine the influence of age, gender, educational status, marital status, and employment status on youth participation in CD programmes. Five (5) research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Data were obtained by administering questionnaire to three hundred and ninety-nine (399) youths and in-depth interview with ten (10) community leaders, bringing the total number of participants to 409. Data were presented using descriptive statistics, charts, frequencies and percentages. The hypothesis were tested for significance 0.05 level of significance using Chi-square (X²) test, while the possibility of youths’ participation in CD programs was predicted using regression analysis. Results of the study showed that: majority of youths(79.9%) in Calabar Municipalityhave participated in CD programmes, mostly at the implementation stage. There is no significant influence of age, gender, employment status and marital status on youth participation in CD programmes; however, there is a significant influence of educational attainment on youth participation in CD programmes in Calabar Municipal LGA. In conclusion, there is need to educate and create awareness so that youths can participate effectively in CD programmes. Based on the findings, it is recommended that Government should join efforts with policy makers to formulate and implement policies that will focus on educating the youths in general, especially those within 18-27 years, less educated and students/unemployed on the need to participate in CD programmes. Social workers should sensitize community leaders on the need to provide youths the opportunity to participate in all levels of CD programmes. They should work with youth to develop their capacity and provide them with training to enhance their community development and leadership potentials.

Keywords: Socio-demographic factors, Youth participation, Community development programmes

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-24-06

Publication date: December 31^st 2020