Youth perception to undertake the management of small scale rubber plantations

Abstract

Sri Lanka is one of the nine major producers of natural rubber in the world. Kegalle, Kalutara and Rathnapura are the major rubber growing districts in Sri Lanka. These districts recorded the highest significance in terms of cultivated area. Small holders are the persons who are holding below 50 acres in extent. Most of the rubber lands in Sri Lanka are owned by small holders. The extent of land area under small holders is about 79,395 hectares out of total rubber land extent in 2010 (Census of Rubber Lands, 2010).Therefore, smallholder sector is responsible for a major share of Sri Lanka's contribution to world's natural rubber output. However, declining rubber extent is an issue of national concern to Sri Lanka (Wijesuriya et al., 2006). Youth participation in agriculture for its sustained contribution to a nation's development is crucial (Ahaibwe, et al,. 2013). Therefore, this research was carried out to determine the perception of youth regarding undertake the management of small scale rubberplantations to maintain the continuity and toidentify the constraints of youth to involve with themanagement of these rubber plantations.

Methodology

The research was conducted in three Rubber Development Officer (RDO) divisions in Kalutara district which are named as Agalawatta, Bulathsinhala and Dodangoda. The population of this study is all the small scale rubberplantation ownersand their youthwho are in age between 18- 35 years in Kalutara district. One hundred twenty youth and one hundred twenty small scale rubber plantation owners were used as respondents for the study. Forty plantation owners and forty youth were randomly selected from each three RDO divisions forthe data collection. Two questionnaires were prepared for the owners of the plantations and youth in their families. Responsevariable of the study was youth perception of engage with rubber plantation management. The contextual variables were carrer ambition, other job opportunities, attitude, credit feasibility, recognition, parental consent, income, risk, price fluctuation, labour shortage and busy lifestyle. Characteristics of the plantation such as land extent, vision of doing rubber plantation management, gaining of government subsidy and kind ship of the plantation are covered in the questionnaire of owners. Response variable and the contextual variables were measured in five point likert scale(Strongly disagree, Disagree, Not decided, Agree, Strongly disagree). Data analysis was done using Descriptive statistics and multiple regression techniques by Minitab 14 statistical software package.

Results and Discussion

Around 56 % of youth were already engaged in rubber plantation management and helped to maintain the continuity of their plantations. Other 44 % of youth in the sample were not engaged with rubber plantation management activities.