This study identified the challenges of youth entrepreneurial skills development in agriculture-base livelihoods among rural families in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Two-stage sampling procedure was used to select sample for the study. Data were collected with the use of questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. Results showed that the major non-agro based livelihood activity engaged in by the youths include petty trading (22%), nursing (18%) and tailoring (17%) while the agro-based livelihood activities include crop production (42%), fish farming (27%), and processing farm products (27%). Economic empowerment ( = 3.6), additional income ( =3.5), and need for independence ( = 3.5) were the major reasons for entrepreneurship skill development. Poor educational background ( = 2.1), inadequate training and skill acquisition programme ( =2.3) and job insecurity/poor working condition ( =2.2) were the major challenges of rural youth entrepreneurship development in the study area. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the government should increase its funding of financial institutions that provide soft loans and grants to rural youth entrepreneurs as well as making the enabling environment available for private sector led investment for economic development by providing adequate infra-structural facilities.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, challenges, youth, livelihoods, agriculture