Pooled Measurement Model of Socio-cultural Factors Influencing Youths Engagement in Agribusiness Activities, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS graphic software was used for validating the measurement model of the constructs of socio-economic factors affecting youths engagement for agribusiness activities. Multistage sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents for the study. Three hundred respondents were randomly selected from each three agricultural zones in study area, making the total of nine hundred respondents used in providing the necessary information for the research. The socio-cultural constructs were measured using a set of items in the questionnaire. Measurement model were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to assess the meaningfulness of its items in measuring the constructs. Majority of the indicators have factor loading of 0.5 and above, suggesting the indicators make sufficient absolute contribution in forming the constructs. Likewise, all the fitness indexes achieved the minimum required value as such the model fit the data.