In Rwanda, agriculture remains a key pillar of the economy, contributing 25% to the country's GDP in the first quarter of the year.
By the second quarter, the sector employed nearly 40% of the working population.
However, this promising economic impact has not been enough to attract the younger generation, especially in African countries where youth form the majority and hold the potential to boost productivity.
With more than 60% of the African population under 35, the continent's youth represent a significant demographic force. Yet many view agriculture as an unattractive option with limited prospects for upward mobility.
According to Dr. Mel Oluoch, Director for Strategic Partnerships at Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) - an organization dedicated to enhancing food security, the perception that agriculture offers little room for economic advancement discourages young people from considering it as a viable career.
He points out that young Africans often see farmers enduring tough working conditionsâ€"spending long hours in the sun, earning meager profits, and leading lives of relative poverty.
This image does little to inspire the youth, many of whom seek better prospects in urban centers. The challenges and lack of substantial investment in the agricultural sector reinforce the belief that farming cannot provide a path to success.
Oluoch emphasizes that insufficient government support and the absence of technological advancement further contribute to the youth's reluctance to engage in agriculture. Instead, many choose to migrate to cities, believing they will find better opportunities there.
The solution, according to Oluoch, lies in integrating modern innovations and youth-oriented programs into the agricultural sector. SAA has already begun implementing projects aimed at offering young people quicker financial returns through ventures such as flower and vegetable farming.
These projects are designed to appeal to youth by providing immediate profits, making agriculture more attractive as a career option.
Beyond profit-driven farming, the SAA is working to incorporate technology into agriculture. This includes equipping young people with tools that allow them to offer services to farmers, such as providing essential information, facilitating the procurement of agricultural inputs, and connecting farmers with markets.
Moreover, the SAA helps young people access machinery for agricultural tasks like shelling and milling crops, allowing them to create job opportunities within rural areas and reducing the need to migrate to cities for work.
Rwanda's government has also recognized the importance of encouraging youth involvement in agriculture.
In 2023, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, highlighted the aging farmer population and the need for fresh energy in the sector.
Despite efforts, the 2022 national census showed that only 14% of those engaged in agriculture were aged between 16 and 30.
However, the establishment of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) offers hope. This institution has begun producing graduates, many of whom are young, who are expected to bring new energy and skills to the agricultural sector.
On a broader scale, Dr. Oluoch also pointed to financial barriers hindering youth engagement in agriculture. He noted that African governments' increasing reliance on domestic banks for funds, particularly through the sale of treasury bonds, limits banks' capacity to invest in agriculture.
While such bonds are a safe and profitable investment for banks, they divert resources away from high-risk sectors like farming.
Oluoch stresses that governments must encourage commercial banks to focus on solutions that address the continent's economic challenges, with agriculture being a top priority.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/reigniting-youth-interest-in-agriculture-for-africa-s-prosperity
