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The Dynamics of Youth Employment and Empowerment in Agriculture and Rural Development in South Africa: A Scoping Review

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

  • Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi

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

  • Rob Slotow

    (Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 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, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
    International Water Management Institute (IWMI-GH), West Africa Office, Accra GA015, Ghana)

Abstract

Over the years, South Africa has made significant investments aimed at transforming the agricultural sector to deliver on rural economic development and job creation. These investments have had varying levels of success; still, what is worrying is the high youth unemployment rate which is amongst the highest globally. We conducted a scoping review using the PRISMA-P guidelines to identify the challenges youth face in accessing sustainable employment in the agriculture sector. Peer-reviewed studies were retrieved from online databases (Web of Science, Cab Direct, and Science Direct) for 1994–2021. The findings showed that youth are still facing significant challenges in the demand and supply side of the labour market and lack of inclusivity in policy formulation and implementation, limiting their involvement in agriculture and rural development initiatives. Policies and strategies responding to these challenges exist, and the spectrum of support services provided are primarily focused on entrepreneurship. Yet, the implementation of programs and initiatives has not been successful. This could be attributed to the obstacles persisting in the sociopolitical environment in SA, causing additional barriers to program implementation. Therefore, to enhance youth involvement in agriculture and rural development, there is a need to connect more rural youth to support services, local employment programmes, and youth inclusion in policy formulation processes. Additionally, the focus of policy and programs should be broadened to cater to different youth knowledge and skill profiles.

Suggested Citation

  • Wendy Geza & Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi & Rob Slotow & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2022. "The Dynamics of Youth Employment and Empowerment in Agriculture and Rural Development in South Africa: A Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:9:p:5041-:d:799747
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Oratilwe Penwell Mokoena & Thembelihle Sam Ntuli & Tshepo Ramarumo & Solly Matshonisa Seeletse, 2023. "Sustainability of Rural Small-Scale Farmers Using a Thematic Content-Fed Analytic Hierarchy Process," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-22, August.
    3. Reon Matemane & Tankiso Moloi & Michael Adelowotan, 2022. "Appraising Executive Compensation ESG-Based Indicators Using Analytical Hierarchical Process and Delphi Techniques," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-19, October.
    4. Héritier Nsenge Mpia & Simon Nyaga Mwendia & Lucy Waruguru Mburu, 2022. "Predicting Employability of Congolese Information Technology Graduates Using Contextual Factors: Towards Sustainable Employability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-17, October.
    5. Sarah Edore Edewor & Genesis B. Kollie & Ibukun James Olaoye, 2023. "Conditions Driving Youth Employment in Key Sectors of the Nigerian Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-23, March.
    6. Primrose Madende & Johannes I. F. Henning & Henry Jordaan, 2023. "Accounting for Heterogeneity among Youth: A Missing Link in Enhancing Youth Participation in Agriculture—A South African Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-22, March.

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