Identifying the Causes of Decline in Youth Participation in Agricultural Empowerment Program Of Youth Integrated Training Farm, Malete, Kwara State

Federal and state governments in Nigeria have adopted capacity building on agriculture to reduce youth unemployment, restiveness and re-awake agriculture potentials. Despite all effort, there have been reports of decline in youth participation in agriculture empowerment programs. In this qualitative study, purposive sampling technique was used to identify various informants, and data was collected through interviews, focus group discussion, and documents. The findings revealed that that there are inherent causes that affect youth participation in agriculture empowerment as indicated in the psychology of the youth, environment, and government induced factor, and other youth empowerment programs. Key words: youth, unemployment, participation, agriculture, empowerment, capacity buildin

Investigating older persons and NGOs flood preparedness to reduce vulnerabilities associated with ageing: a case study

The impact of natural disasters on the older population is unlikely to diminish in the years to come due to the increasing number of older persons in Malaysia. Recent trends with respect to management of natural disasters have highlighted the role of NGOs in all phases of disaster management namely preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. Research showed a notable difference emerged between the perceptions of the older persons, and those of the respondents from aid agencies (government and NGO) dealing with emergencies. In this research paper, information on specific needs and problems faced by older persons during the 2014 flood as well as the NGOs perceptions towards them were identified. It also studied the impact of flood disaster on older persons. Their preparedness to face emergencies and the suitability of the relief programs organized by NGOs were investigated. A mix method approach was adobted in this research which include qualitative (Focus Group Discussion) and quantitative (face-to-face interview) survey. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Based on findings from the FGDs conducted, there was no Standard Operating Procedure on flood relief for the older persons adopted by the NGOs. There is a clear need for SOPs to ensure proper guidelines and procedures in meeting the special needs of the older persons in times of disaster

Examining the extent of youth participation in agricultural training program in Malete Youth Farm Kwara State

Participation is a concept that has multi-dimensional meanings depending on the user. Youth participation in the same vein can be perceived according to the circumstance, the need, and the nature of the subject involved in the participation. Therefore, youth participation in agriculture training program in malete farm is a circumstantial idea designed to empower the youth in order to acquire some skills in agriculture business. This study examines the extent of youth participation in this program considering the prevailing socioeconomic condition of the youth and how the youth is involved in segments of the participation process. Using Malete youth Integrated Training Farm, qualitative case study method was employed for the study and the findings revealed that, there was a different degree of participation in the decision-making, implementation, sharing and evaluation. It appears that youth participate in the program as induced by the government through the monthly stipend and other motivational packages

Development of a valid measurement instrument to understand self-regulatory driving practices among older drivers in Malaysia

Self-regulatory driving is a term used to describe a strategy used by older drivers to preserve mobility and safety, through the adjustment of driving behaviors to match declining physical functions. It can be regarded as a way to prolong driving, or as a process leading to the cessation of driving. Previous studies have striven to explore and understand how older drivers self-regulate their driving. This paper aims to provide an overview of the relevant theories, to explicate the factors that contribute to the adoption of self-regulated driving and the scales used to measure self-regulatory behaviors. This paper also reports on the development and psychometric testing of a Self-Regulatory Driving Practices (SRDP) scale in the Malaysian context. Based on the reviewed theories, adoption of self-regulatory driving practices is a process and involves cognitive thinking that reflects a set of actions. Existing instruments to measure self-regulatory driving practices have been developed and used to identify the behavioral components of self-regulation. Based on literature reviews and a thematic analysis from focus group discussions, a SRDP scale was developed, accommodating the Malaysian context. There were 498 surveys completed by older drivers for further psychometric testing purposes. Results revealed that the final 12-item SRDP scale (α = 0.81) consists of four subscales that are planning, avoidance, reduction and alternatives. Suggestions for future research are also recommended

Measurement scale development for mobility-related quality of life among older Malaysian drivers

Quality of Life (QoL) is frequently understood as subjective well-being at both individual and population levels and specific to a country or context. For individuals, mobility afforded by transport is an important predictor of QoL. This paper aims to provide an overview of theoretical approaches, particularly the selection, optimization, compensation (SOC) model, the scales used to measure quality of life, and the scale development of Mobility-related Quality of Life (M-QoL) among older drivers. A pool of items was developed from three sources: i) literature review, ii) Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale and iii) focus group discussion with older drivers. A survey amongst 498 older Malaysian drivers was administered to confirm internal consistency of the scale. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the developed M-QoL scale consists of 12 items with good internal consistency (α = 0.90), and consists of two subfactors addressing functions of driving and accessibility for independent living. Implications of the findings are discussed, including encouraging continuation of driving for those who are able to drive safely, and provision and use of alternatives to driving to help them achieve maximum mobility. Suggestions for future research are also recommended