An emerging study suggests that the number of young people venturing into agriculture is on the rise. While some would attribute it to the simplicity of setting up a farm, others will credit the countless programmes developed by institutions to engage young people, spark their interest in the agricultural industry and increase the productivity of those already in it.
A few examples of agricultural reality television shows include Miss Agric Beauty Pageant and Living Field Agric Challenge. Aside from the reality shows, there are foreign agencies like KIC Business Booster, OCP Agri booster, MASO Programme from Solidaridad, as well as local agencies like Youth in Agriculture Program (YIAP) from Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and many others.
To whip up the interest of young people to engage in agricultural ventures and find sustainable livelihoods in Agriculture, reality shows and foreign agency-sponsored programmes typically target graduates and young entrepreneurs.
The majority of these programmes seek to transform young people from job seekers into job creators along with changing the narrative that farmers are aged and ignorant. This helps in ensuring people view farming as an economic venture and not just as a way of life.
The majority of these projects offer access to markets, financing, and skill development. Beyond the creation of employment for the youth. Another excellent benefit in the agricultural sector can be to woo potential investors to consider diversifying investment in agriculture.
With many youth programmes springing up, it is crucial to know if these programmes are making the desired impact, the needed difference, and are the targeted beneficiaries able to meet the entry requirements?