Effects of N-Power Agro intervention programme on youth empowerment and employment generation in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of the N-Power Agro programme on youth empowerment and employment generation in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey design method, targeting all 350 beneficiaries of the program, with data collected through a structured 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Using Google Forms,
questionnaires were electronically distributed via social media platforms, achieving a 98.57% response rate with 345 completed questionnaires retrieved. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), was employed for assessing both measurement and structural models for reliability, validity, and predictive relevance. Results reveal that NPAG significantly and positively affected youth empowerment and employment in the study area, as evidenced by strong path coefficients and statistically significant relationships between constructs. The study underscores NPAG's role in enhancing beneficiaries' socio-economic status by providing empowerment and employment opportunities. Recommendations include expanding the Program’s reach to rural areas, increasing funding, and incorporating training in sustainable agricultural practices and entrepreneurship to ensure long-term benefits. Such interventions will enhance participants’ skills, enabling them to establish self-sustaining agricultural businesses and further reduce unemployment.