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)
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.
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.
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
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 The notion that 65-70% of the population is agrarian, is an outdated statistic that hasn’t… Read more »
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 »