Mauritius Case Study

Nawsheen Hosenally

5th September 2012

Country Background

2045 km2

Population: 1,3 million

Economy based on different sectors AgricultureTextileFinancialTourism ICTs

Youth Demographics

“Youth” is defined as a person between 14 and 29 years of age

Youth population between 15-29 years old was estimated to be 306,532 (CSO, 2010)

23.9% of total population

154,863 (12.1%) males and 151,669 (11.8%) females

Youth Demographics

Youth and EducationLiteracy rate is 88%Primary & secondary education free

Youth and EmploymentMinimum legal working age is 16 years oldUnemployment rate is 7.9%38% below 25 years of age

Urban and Rural youthDifference not very clear-cutPockets of poverty in north and eastern coast

Agriculture Background

Contributes to 4% of GDP Arable land: 43%Sugarcane, tea and tobacco (33%),

Food crops and others (28%), Livestock and Poultry (22%), Government services (13%), Fishing (4%)

CAADP Status: About to sign Challenge:

High Imports (>70% - Approx 1billion USD)Ageing farming population & lack of youth interest

in Agriculture

Youth Perceptions

Generally perceived negatively by youths

Different categories of youths interviewedYouth of different field of studies from

University of MauritiusYouth engaged in Agriculture (producers and

entrepreneurs)

Each category has its own perception

Youth Perceptions

“Agriculture can help solve world issues like poverty and food security”

“No opinion. It’s just not meant for me”“I am studying engineering and intend

to get a job in the same field, but I see Agriculture as a good business opportunity, and it will be my part-time activity.”

“I have been in Agriculture for years and despite all challenges, this is where I belong”

Youth Perceptions

“Agriculture does not pay because it a luck business”, Ramadhani Sigareti, young horticultural farmer in Morogoro region”

“Agriculture takes time to earn money and it is always unpredictable”, Elizabeth Singu, youth member UVIKIUTA

“I have never seen a successful young farmer in my entire life; there are no role models in agriculture, Elizabeth Singu, youth member UVIKIUTA.

Youth Perceptions

“Although I am doing Bsc in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, I would like to work in a bank or telecommunication industry because agriculture doesn’t pay”, Kijagwa Gerald, Bsc. Agribusiness, second year student SUA, Morogoro.

“If you look at the conditions of the farmers, there is no way you can be attracted to be a farmer”, Samson Simangwi, Bsc. Agribusiness, third year student SUA.

Youth Perceptions

Negative• Old-fashioned activity for the

elderly and poor people (Subsistence v/s commercial, farm to eat v/s farm for income)

• A field for residual youth (Failure – lowest class student)

• Difficult job – too laborious• Low income generating sector

(No money in Agriculture, issue: it takes too long to get results)

Youth Perceptions

Positive

• High opportunities in Agribusiness and entrepreneurship

• Leisure (Health, Exercise, Diet Issue)

• Address poverty – eliminate climate change

• Discipline

Challenges

Lack of enabling environments Society Schools Governments Incentives

Opportunities

Changing the negative perception of youth on Agriculture can help solve many issues Food Security Poverty Unemployment

Recommendation

Re-brand Agriculture Through ICTs National campaigns Magazines Introducing Agriculture in school

Recommendation