Description of the subject. Despite the Republic of the Congo’s agricultural potential, youth participation in the sector remains limited, while rural unemployment and food insecurity persist. Understanding the factors that shape youths’ engagement in agriculture is therefore essential for revitalizing the sector and strengthening rural livelihoods.

Objective. This study investigates the determinants of youth participation in agricultural activities in Madingou, Bouenza Department in the Republic of the Congo, with particular emphasis on socioeconomic and institutional factors influencing engagement decisions.

Methods. A cross-sectional design was applied, with primary data collected through structured interviews from 112 youths aged 18-35. Youth participation in agriculture was specified as a binary outcome and analyzed using a logit regression model.

Results. The findings show that approximately 47 % of youths engage in agriculture, and participation in agricultural and youth development training significantly increases the likelihood of engagement in farming, underscoring the importance of skills acquisition and capacity building. In contrast, migration intentions exert a strong negative effect on participation, indicating that youths planning to move to urban areas are less likely to invest in agricultural livelihoods.

Conclusion. Enhancing youth participation in agriculture in Madingou requires prioritizing practical training programs and addressing the drivers of rural-urban migration to make agriculture a more attractive, viable, and sustainable livelihood option.