Promoting youth engagement and employment in agriculture and food systems
Until year 2000, global recognition of the need; and importance of youths participating in
agriculture had rarely been treated with so much seriousness across all continents. The
realities became very pronounced during the global pandemic. Major lessons were:
“Preparedness” and “Adaptation to change”.
The world would learn to make long-lasting and sustainable amendments on policies to
guarantee safe food and environment for the vulnerable in time of crisis. Global statistics
affirms youth as major stakeholders in respect of their roles in agriculture value chain against all odds. African population alone represents over two hundred (200) million aged between fifteen (15) and twenty four (24). This according to the African economic outlooks is expected to double in number by 2045.
The “draft report” did justice to a number of limiting factors; but I would like to emphasize
“Trust” in terms of sincerity of purpose and “Motivation” as it concerns wage and welfare.
Professionally, I have been involved in series of agricultural trainings that involved youths
within Nigeria and experience have shown that there is always natural willingness until lack of trust and poor motivation sets in.
I have witnessed instances where for political reasons; opportunities were given to unwilling candidates, where inputs meant for training were being diverted or commercialized for monetary gain as well as instances real farmers could not have access to loan and insurance policies.
In addition to this, good work environment, duration and wage are also key. Youth labour
should be seen as important factor upon which the survival and sustainability of agribusiness depends. Employers should be encouraged to expose them to frequent sponsorship to trainings about the profession with corresponding benefits to boost their morale.
Therefore, taking a holistic step with good feedback system on the afore—mentioned would assure due-diligence and discourage lack of trust in the society.
Thank you
Lawal, M. Olajire
(Nigeria)
Lawal Olajire