Youth-adult engagement in agri-food systems: A mixed- methods inquiry on positive youth development in 4-H clubs of Bicol, Philippines

Abstract

The study investigated youth–adult engagement (YAE) in community-based agriculture projects and the link to positive youth development outcomes among the 4-H youth of Bicol, Philippines. Guided by the theoretical perspectives of the Typology of Youth Participation and Empowerment model and positive youth development (PYD), the research employed an exploratory, sequential, mixed-methods design, with key informant interviews, focus group discussions and a mixedmode survey among 154 youth from 10 Philippine 4-H clubs. Results showed a high level of YAE, constituted by high composite scores for three YAE dimensions: youth involvement, adult involvement and youth– adult interaction. Findings reflect a pluralistic type of participation where there is shared control among the 4-H youth and adults over decision-making in planning and implementing agri-based projects. Furthermore, the study also showed high levels of perceived PYD outcomes (competence, confidence, connection, character, caring and contribution) describing their overall 4-H experience. Performing an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis confirmed that YAE is a significant predictor of PYD outcomes. Hence, enhancing the three dimensions of YAE yields improved PYD outcomes among the 4-H youth. Adult support through moral, financial and technical aspects was found to be a critical enabler for youth participation in agri-based projects. The study provides program and policy insights on youth as agri-food system actors and presents a case of 4-H clubs as a platform for enhancing the youth’s sociopsychological skills, social capital and sense of appreciation of and contribution to agriculture, among other factors.