Experiences on engaging youth in agriculture

13 March 2013

Background

Youth are the future of agriculture…………as enshrined in the CASP where it advocates for youth engagement, empowerment and participation in agriculture

Further evidenced by support exerted by MOA on the youth agribased program established in 1975 (4S)

Background

The program has evolved and is now referred as the CYDP being supported by UN Agencies: FAO, WFP, UNICEF and UNFPA

Trust of this programme is on agricultural skills development and enhancement for children and youth in SD to address food security issues and provide livelihoods options

Background

Currently 60 groups supportedClustered under school and out of school

youthEngaged in Livestock farming and Crop

farmingSupport Provided

Inputs, equipment, training, technical support

Experiences with youth programme

Recognition that youth is capable and knowledgeable in agricultural concepts

Willingness for youth to participate in agricultural initiatives (though there may be challenges)

Evidence of commitment by some groups or individuals

Smaller groups have better success rates than large groups

Experiences

Older bracket youth more committed than younger bracket

Non employed graduates not active in these groupings

Youth are mobile, versatile and impatient and result oriented

Lessons learned

Need to demystify myth about agriculture being a backward career

Agriculture need to be accorded an be recognized as a science and a profession just like all others (medical doctor)

Agriculture need to be modernized to attract the youth (made innovative, less labour intensive, new farming systems)

Lessons learned

Need to motivate youth through incentives Preferential markets, input subsidy, etc

Positive modelling of youth: Awards Need for MOYSC and MOA to engage in an

integrated approach for youth in agriculture Appropriate structures need to be developed

to support youth (Youth Wing) under SNAU

Conclusion

Troublesome as they are

Believe in young people

They can surprise you!