Involvement of youth in agriculture is not only a good idea
but crucial for agricultural economies sustainability. Most African economies
heavily depend on farming to earn foreign exchange, for employment of 70% of the population, to provide raw materials for agro-industries and for
food security among the citizens. Therefore youth in agriculture campaign is
necessary for succession and sustainability of the industry. It goes without
saying that absence of young people in agricultural activities points to a
future economic disaster for Africa and most developing countries ,confirming
an African proverb which says that, ‘‘a herd without calves is headed for
extinction’’. The future of the farming industry is in the hands of the young
people. It is vital that young people are involved in the industry early in
life.
But in reality, traditionally and economically little is
done to seriously involve youth in agriculture, until later in life when most
likely they have developed other priorities. In this case farming becomes a supplementary
activity without its due importance. According to the African tradition
inherited land is not released to the young people for farming until later in
life when they get married, yet land is a principal factor of production in
farming. This practice is mainly responsible for propagation of traditional subsistence
farming which lacks vision and innovation leading to low returns. Governments’
policies to encourage ownership of land by the young people should be formulated urgently.
This will enable the industry to absorb young people at the height of their
talent, energy, optimism and innovativeness. Involvement of young people in farming
should employ a multi-sector approach for success.
This can be achieved through integration of youth in agriculture policy with education policy, young people employment policy and the policies of all relevant government sectors. Agricultural extension services should also be modernized to embrace information and communication technologies. The traditional extension methodologies like field days are no longer effective for reaching the youth in agriculture. Use of information and communication technology will modernize and change the face of farming, improve farm income and improve food security to the communities. The information and communication technology should be used to deliver extension services, provide accurate market information and to link the youth in agriculture with consumers of their farm produce. This will give youth in agriculture comparative advantage and a superior position in the market place.