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Youth, Agriculture and Rural Development in Developing

countries/ACP regions

John OmitiNancy LaibuniSimon Githuku

jmomiti@kippra.or.ke

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Definition of Youth

Age (15-35 years)

Differences across regions

– Political Importance [‘leaders of tomorrow’]

– Cultural aspects (Gender, Marriage)

– Unemployment // Wealth Gaps

– Emerging issues (ICT, Migration)

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African Youth - Demographics Large share of youth in population (youth bulge)

70 % is aged below 25 years (200 million)

37% of the total labor force

Youth unemployment rate (2009)

- North Africa ≈ 24 %

- Sub-Saharan Africa ≈ 50-60?

Unskilled youth = (25 - 50 %)

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Caribbean Youth - Demographics

50%

50%

40%

10%

20 - 25 yrs18 - 20 yrs25 - 30 yrs

Literacy levels: 1990 ≈ 92%; 2009 ≈ 97% Unemployment ≈ 40 - 60% (except Barbados) 20 - 30% of the labour force

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Pacific Youth - Demographics

20% of working population

Youth unemployment high:

Kiribati ≈ 39%

Samoa ≈ 58%

Solomon Islands ≈ 42 %

Tonga ≈ 43 %

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Key Issues

Rural poverty

Migration of the youth:

Urban areas

Overseas (OECD)

High levels of unemployment/underemployment

Deferred plans [e.g., investments, marriage]

Ageing farm populations [future of agriculture]

Youth bulge (social unrest)

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Youth are key agents Social change

Access to higher and innovative education

Culture (music, arts, etc)

Economic development

Broad range of opportunities

Access to physical and financial resources

Technological innovation

dynamic conditions to incubate ideas and innovate

Political Change

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Involving Youth in Agriculture

Africa Average age of farmer ≈ 55 years

Average life expectancy ≈ 49-54 years

Caribbean Average age of farmers ≈ 55 years

Average life expectancy ≈ 65-70 years

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Why interest youth in Agriculture

Public Perceptions [‘grow own food’]

Self Reliance and Self Sufficiency

Building Human Resource Base

Political goodwill and Investments

Youth perceptions towards Agriculture

Generally negative youth perceptions with respect to participation in agriculture• Not perceived as a viable business initiative• Employer of last resort (urban-rural youth)• Not an attractive career path• offers no opportunity for a better life • Not appealing - no prestige (status) regardless

of the economic outcomes.

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Youth and ICT

ICT is attractive to the youth

ICT applications (software) – forecast e.g. weather patterns, precision farming, etc.

Managing agricultural information data-creating agricultural databases, payment systems, marketing, price trends, satellite-based insurance, etc.

ICT is dynamic and challenging

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Youth and Agribusiness – value chain

Factors that limit youth participation in agribusiness:

Limited market information Inability to access credit Inadequate training Skills mis-match Low profitability associated with agri-

enterprises

Ways to engage youth in agriculture• Demystifying the negative myths about agriculture• Presenting agriculture as a profitable venture• Availing special agriculture funding for youth• Providing incentives to young people engaged in

agriculture• Preferential treatment for young farmers e.g. water

levy, taxation laxity• Availing fair market opportunities for youth• Modernizing agriculture• Providing training opportunities in new technologies

Ways to engage youth in agriculture

• Recognition and supporting young graduates as potential employees within the agribusiness sector

• Support youth in establishing and managing a youth network in agriculture

• Include youth in policy decision making and implementation

• Agriculture in Education system since primary level

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Policy Suggestions Employment

Employability

Addressing Technical Skills Mis-matches

Addressing Non-Technical Skills Mismatches (skills development)

Employment Creation: Address slow job/career growth

Equal Opportunities: Addressing youth-discrimination / deficiencies in the labour market and Inadequate Job Matching

Facilitating Entrepreneurship Business Development Services (BDS) + Futures Markets

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Agri-Business Innovations Package technology for young farmers

Green house farming Grafting of fruits / vegetables

Use integrated and multifunctional business approach

Targets young farmers Use Mobile phones for recordings,

management, etc

Policy Suggestions

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..Young Original Unique Talented Hopeful.

our YOUTH

Thank You!