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There is a global campaign to urge the production of more food to make up for the deficit as population increase. We can admit that the youth holds the key to food security in Africa and globally. Therefore, the youth interest in Agriculture is very vital.
Africa has the youngest population in the world. By 2055, the continent’s youth population (aged 15-24), is expected to be more than double the 2015 total of 226 million. (UNDP)
We would like your thoughts on the matters concerning the low interest of youth in Agriculture in Africa.
Read also:
What are Africa’s Greatest Challenges in Agriculture?
1. Do you agree the youth are the key to food security in Africa?
2. What do you believe are the factors that make agriculture unattractive to the youth in Africa?
3. How do you think we can revive the interest of Africa’s youth in Agriculture?
Read also:
What is the Agricultural Solution for Nomadic Fulani Herdsmen and Crop Farmers in Ghana?
Your thoughts and comments shall be seen by hundreds of thousands of Africans and it can make this piece a tool to inspire Africa and it’s leadership to take positive action.
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Participation – Importance – Love – Attractive business environment
To show them the objectives of the farm and how their role to achieve those goals are important
Youth activities should be provided within farms and companies, such as playgrounds, trip and discussion rooms for youth-related topics
Also provide gifts and prizes to the distinguished in their work
Pay attention to their families and villages
That is, the workplace becomes a social and recreational activity after working hours
Good Luck
Very helpful addition. To add to your point, agriculture should be part of a person’s upbringing in the home and society.
The problem with youth in agriculture stems from the poor perception of who farmers of today should be. Across Africa, the standard model of poor, illiterate, peasant, subsistent and rural farmers is the crux of the problem. Based on this paradigm, all planning, investments and resources are aimed at supporting the target demographic with seeds, fertilisers and extension support to increase production. Noble as the aims may be, this approach is also an albatross across the neck of agricultural development. I will explain why: 1. The notion that 65-70% of the population is agrarian, is an outdated statistic that hasn’t… Read more »
David, the nail right on the head with your very elaborate points. I very much agree with you especially on the use of outdated data. Upon this, millions of dollars have been channelled into interventions that only recycle the challenges of agriculture in Africa.
If I may, how would you suggest we get leadership, the people and all concerned to cause this needed change?
It is wrong in the first place to think that the youth are not interested in Agriculture. The biggest challenge has been that agriculture has not been made attractive to the youth. What are the training opportunities in agriculture to attract the youth and especially the young girl to take up agriculture as a professional. What are the career pathways? There are no structured interventions and or opportunities to develop the youth in agriculture. Most of these interventions especially by development partners are short term, ad hoc and not sustainable. I have seen youth taking up agriculture as a professional… Read more »
Excellent point, Joseph.
The current state of agriculture in Africa and challenges make it quite difficult for the youth to enter and excel.
A number are making it, however, if conditions were better, Agriculture would probably be one of the top jobs the youth will go for without hesitation. That is exactly what we are advocating for and your points say it all. Thank you.
You are very correct , the incentives to attract youths into Agriculture is far and in between. I went into poultry and nearly became a beggar. I love agriculture because I know that a full stomach can endure anything. I suggest Africa should partner the experts and emulate them. The Israeli people have the answer having gone through so much in their chequered history and conquered food production in their saline land despite all other challenges. Let’s copy the kitbuzz method where a group of youths form a cooperative given land, farming imp!ements, trainings and extension officers to direct them.… Read more »
I really like the part that suggests partnerships.
Thank you, Princess.