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Youth Participation in Agriculture: A Scoping Review

Author

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  • Wendy Geza

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
    African Centre of Food Security, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa)

  • Mjabuliseni Ngidi

    (African Centre of Food Security, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
    Agricultural Extension and Rural Resources Management, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa)

  • Temitope Ojo

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria
    Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa)

  • Adetoso Adebiyi Adetoro

    (African Centre of Food Security, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa)

  • Rob Slotow

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa)

  • Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa)

Abstract

Providing economic opportunities for youth in agriculture is essential to securing the future of agriculture in Africa, addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality. However, barriers limit youth participation in agriculture and the broader food system. This scoping review aimed to investigate the opportunities and challenges for youth in participating in agriculture and the food system in Africa. This review conducted a scoping review using the PRISMA guideline. Published studies were retrieved from online databases (Web of Science, Cab Direct, and Science Direct) for 2009 to 2019. The findings showed that existing agricultural interventions are production-centric and provide low-income earnings and inadequate social protection. We also found that the youth have pessimistic perceptions about agriculture’s capability of improving their living standards. This could be ascribed to the minimal youth involvement in agricultural activities and the youth’s shared understanding of the agricultural sector’s contribution to general economic growth. From a policy perspective, the literature revealed that current agricultural development programs do not adequately address structural issues underpinning youth participation in the economy. Therefore, to enhance the involvement of youths in agriculture, there is a need for policy implementation in the area of integrated agricultural-based interventions that are context-specific and promote meaningful youth participation in shaping future food systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Wendy Geza & Mjabuliseni Ngidi & Temitope Ojo & Adetoso Adebiyi Adetoro & Rob Slotow & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2021. "Youth Participation in Agriculture: A Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:9120-:d:614470
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Jeremiah Magoma Rogito & Prof Musa Nyakora, 2023. "Corporate Governance Innovations for Enhancing Youth Participation and Job Creation in the Agri-Food System in Africa," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(5), pages 254-260, May.
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