Publication Details
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of strategic evaluation on youth agricultural empowerment in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study focused on examining the effects of execution appraisal, resources allocation review, and implementation assessment on youth empowerment programmes (Youth Empowerment in Agricultural Programme (YEAP), Young Farmers Network Micro-Credit Programme (YFNMCP), and FADAMA III Programme). Additionally, the study explored the moderating effect of business incubation on the relationship between strategic evaluation and youth agricultural empowerment. The research design adopted for this study was an ex-post facto design, employing a cross-sectional survey. The sample size of 830 participants was determined using the simple random sampling technique and the Taro Yamane formula. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses of the study. The study's findings revealed significant effects of execution appraisal on youth agricultural empowerment programs (YAEP, YFNMCP, and FADAMA III Programme) in Akwa Ibom State. Furthermore, resources allocation review had a significant effect on these youth empowerment programmes. Additionally, the study highlighted the significant moderating effect of business incubation on the relationship between strategic evaluation and youth agricultural empowerment. The study recommends that the government of Akwa Ibom State should establish robust execution appraisal mechanisms for youth agricultural empowerment programmes. Conducting regular and systematic evaluations of programmes implementation (YAEP, YFNMCP, and FADAMA III) is crucial to assess and enhance their effectiveness. Akwa Ibom State government should invest in establishing and expanding business incubators to provide tailored assistance, mentoring, and training for youth in the agricultural sector.