Aspirations of Young People for the Agrifood Sector in Bhutan

“May agriculture become innovative and a bright future for the youth of the country.”

“To establish a successful homestay and agriculture business.”

“To learn something new to become an agrifood champion”

“Collaboration, a key steppingstone to take forth. Incentives to youth taking up agriculture.”

“After this programme, I hope our youth who are left with unemployment will get support where we can stay in our country.”

“A way that government and other agencies can help youth. We also want to help make Bhutan better.

These are some of the wishes of young people who gathered at the National Youth Symposium last month, coinciding with the International Youth Day.

One of the highlights of the symposium was the official launch of the World Food Forum Bhutan Chapter (WFF). WFF, an independent, youth-led global network of partners facilitated and hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations aims to spark a global movement that empowers young people to actively shape agrifood systems to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a better food future for all.

The Chapter will play a key role in leading country-level youth actions to drive real and sustainable change, cumulatively contributing to broader national, regional, and global youth leadership and actions that enhance agrifood systems transformation.

In Bhutan, the agrifood industry is crucial for achieving self-reliance and economic goals, providing employment for 43% of the population. Despite its importance, the sector faces challenges such as structural barriers, limited arable land, water scarcity, labor shortages, and the impacts of climate change, all of which threaten food security.

With 46% of the population below the age of 24, youth is a significant demographic. However, their involvement in agriculture has decreased by 16% over the last decade. The sector's reliance on subsistence farming and minimal technology use makes it unattractive to young people.

At the National Youth Symposium consultation workshop in July 2024, young people expressed concerns that, aside from lacking market trend knowledge and poor infrastructure, farming is seen as unprofitable. Biases against the agriculture sector, along with lower morale, discourage youth from engaging in the sector. Farming is often viewed as a fallback option by young people.

Youth participants noted that innovation in the agriculture sector is stifled by a lack of advanced technology and insufficient training, which disconnects skills from practice and deters youth from farming. Climate change further hinders productivity.

Young people are calling for key policies to engage youth in agrifood systems. The National Youth Symposium and the launch of the World Food Forum Bhutan Chapter are critical steps toward addressing the gaps and challenges raised by young people during the consultation workshop.

During the consultation workshop, young people highlighted that the absence of training programs for youth in agrifood systems limits their participation, further exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and logistics support.

Engaging youth in agriculture is vital for Bhutan's economic objectives. Development partners, government bodies, academia, CSOs, and the private sector must create robust policies and programs to involve youth in transforming the agrifood sector. Investing in science-based solutions and capacity development is essential for achieving the SDGs, as highlighted by the UN Youth Strategy 2030.