Youth co-operatives participation gap: Limited factors of production, innovative strategies or both? Evidence from Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38140/ijms-2026.vol3.1.07Keywords:
Factors of production, participation gap, co-operative supporting organisations, innovative strategies, youthAbstract
Youth engagement in agriculture and co-operative ventures in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains low, despite the sector's potential for economic and community development. This study investigates whether low youth participation is attributable to insufficient factors of production or a lack of innovative strategies, or a combination of both, within coffee-based co-operative supporting organisations in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. A multiple case study design was employed, involving four cases. Data were collected using key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations, guided by the principle of descriptive saturation. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify and interpret recurring themes through the review of transcripts, generation of initial codes from transcripts and literature, and visualisation of patterns. Themes were reviewed for commonalities, clearly defined, and labelled. Interpretations and implications were drawn in accordance with the study's theoretical framework and research questions. The findings affirm that limited youth participation in agricultural co-operatives stems from restricted access to land and financial capital, compounded by lack of innovative engagement strategies from supporting organisations. The absence of youth-targeted programmes and comprehensive support structures, including mentorship and entrepreneurship training, was also identified. It is concluded that limited youth participation results from both restricted access to essential factors of production and a lack of innovative strategies tailored to engage and motivate youth. Coffee-based co-operative support organisations should develop collaborative initiatives to facilitate youth access to land and establish specialised training hubs and clubs to provide education, innovations, mentorship, and support within the coffee farming value chain and co-operative practices.
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