Determinants of Youth Entrepreneurial Participation in Agricultural Activities in Golestan Province: The Role of Cognitive Asymmetry in Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agricultural Management, Gorgan University Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

Abstract

The agricultural sector in Golestan Province faces a growing challenge of declining youth participation. This issue not only seriously threatens the future of this vital sector but also undermines the continuity of food security, the sustainability of rural employment, and the preservation of human capital in rural areas. This study aimed to identify the determinants of entrepreneurial youth participation in agricultural activities in rural areas of Golestan Province, with an emphasis on the role of cognitive asymmetry in perceived advantages and disadvantages. The present research is applied in terms of purpose and quantitative in terms of data nature, carried out using a descriptive-analytical method. The statistical population consisted of all rural youth aged 18 to 35 years in Golestan Province. Using Cochran's formula, 385 individuals were selected through multi-stage cluster random sampling. The data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed by experts and its reliability was verified using Cronbach's alpha (ranging from 0.73 to 0.76). Data were analyzed using logistic regression. The findings revealed that only 35.1 percent of youth participate in agricultural business. The most significant positive determinants included parental agricultural background, land ownership, access to extension services, awareness of government support programs, and knowledge of agricultural advantages. In contrast, age, the presence of non-agricultural job alternatives, and knowledge of agricultural disadvantages had negative effects. It is concluded that to increase youth participation, information flows regarding agricultural advantages should be strengthened, access to extension services and support programs should be enhanced, and agriculture should be made more competitive relative to non-agricultural occupations.

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 May 2026
  • Revise Date: 23 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 24 May 2026

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