AGRICULTURAL

The study was designed to investigated the agricultural potentials of a degraded Ultisols in a humid ecological zone of Edo State. The objectives of the study is to investigate the agricultural potentials of the soil. A reconnaissance survey was undertaking to identify the field characteristics, and a representative profile was dug at the University of Benin Agriculture farm. Themorphology, physical and chemical properties of the soil was evaluated. Soil sample was collected from the profile horizons and analyzed using standard procedures. Generally, the soil was well drained, deep, absence of rock. The soil was generally sandy loam in texture. Soil reaction was acidic (5.2 – 5.3), ECEC was low (1.29 – 1.64Cmol kg-1) and base saturation was high (84.96 – 90.00%). Correlation analysis was employed to show the relationship between the physical and chemical parameters of the soil. Six soil properties were positively significant while two were negatively significant. The study provided baseline information forfuture research efforts on soil quality. The study recommended sound agronomic practices especially erosion control measures should be encouraged that further detailed studies could be conducted to examine soil quality in specific time period for sustainable land use

This study is on "Engaging Youth in Agripreneurship: Strategies for Fostering Agricultural Innovation and Entrepreneurship among Youths in Edo State,". It investigates the challenges limiting youth participation in agribusiness and identifies strategies that can enhance their involvement in the sector. The research was guided by four research questions and four purposes of study. The study employs a descriptive survey research design, With a population of 150,203 youth involved in agripreneurship in Edo State, a sample of 150 respondents was selected using simple random sampling due to the large population size. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire, validated by my supervisor and two lecturers from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, University of
Benin.the instrument was tested for reliability using pearson correlation coefficient yielding a coefficient of 0.68. The analysis was conducted using mean and standard deviation, with a threshold of 2.5 for acceptance of responses. The Findings revealed that digital agriculture platforms, cooperative farming models,agribusiness incubators and hubs, and government-subsidized youth agribusiness loans would significantly support young agripreneurs in Edo State. However, challenges such as limited access to land, unfavorable government policies, inadequate agricultural training, lack of mentorship, and negative perceptions of agriculture continue to hinder youth participation