CHALLENGES FACED BY YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE.
Youths in the society are future leaders of
tomorrow, not only are they the leaders but also the controller of various
sectors of the economy. The measure of available food produced in a nation depends
on the intensity of agricultural activities of the nation. Youths are the
backbone of the nation and agricultural activities can increase only if the
youth involve themselves in agricultural production. But, it is unfortunate
that there is less input of technical know-how by the youths in the
agricultural sector of the economy. This is due to the fact that youths are
faced with some challenges that discourage them to practice agriculture.
Poor orientation on the prospects and the need for
agricultural growth is a challenge faced by youths of today. The youths always
see agriculture as a poor business and only practiced by the rural dwellers.
There is no adequate orientation and education given to them to redirect their
mind and initiatives towards large-scale and mechanized farming that can help
in boosting the production of food globally, there by combating food scarcity.
Also cash crops cultivated in the large scale
production are exported to other countries bring foreign exchange to the
country. Poor orientation and education of agriculture has affected the youths
and is a problem that needs to be tackled immediately, so as to ensure
sustainability in agriculture.
Inadequate employment opportunities in the
agricultural sector has discouraged a lot of youths. The government’s
inadequacy to create opportunities and employ capable hands who are willing to
transform the agricultural sector, help in the increase of food production and
in sustainable agricultural growth has drastically affected the youths in
agriculture. Youths tend to go to other sectors of the economy where they are
accepted and employed. This challenge has discouraged the youths and has
contributed to the sustainability of agriculture.
Inadequate education on the importance of
practicing agriculture in secondary schools, high schools, colleges and
universities. The government and most educational institutions across the globe
especially in the African continent neglected the fact that knowledge of
agriculture should be taught to the young students and youth which they would
grow up with. Having such knowledge that “without agriculture, the national
development and growth would reduce drastically would make them devote their
time, energy and resource in practicing agriculture and providing adequate food
and raw materials necessary for economy development. A good transfer of excellent information about
agriculture will not only prepare the youths on the challenges and problems
faced by agriculture, but will give them an insight and counter measures
solving such issues. A good knowledge of agriculture will also help youths in
efficient analysis on the new developments and also measures of implementing
these new techniques to boost more efficient food production so proper
knowledge of agriculture should be taught in schools to prepare the youths of
the future.
A major challenge also faced by the youths is the
government’s nonchalant attitude towards the interest of the youths in
agriculture. Youths who indicate interests in the agricultural sector of the
economy are discouraged by government agencies in so many ways which includes;
non-provision of funds for the youths to embark on agro business that will
enhance more production of food for the country. Government of nations should create
agricultural schemes that would make the youth to participate and contribute their
own innovations that would help to increase and develop the agricultural
economy to be able to meet the demands of the public. Government agencies and
other financial bodies should always grant easy and accessible loans to the
youths for them to invest more in agriculture and also encourage mechanized farming.
Agriculture should be taught in schools as part of
the main curriculum. This way every child has understanding and knowledge of
this area. Agriculture is the most underrated industry but the most important as we need food to
survive.
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