Many rural youths are seeking higher-paying jobs in urban centers. Their exodus strains the farms that provide 80 percent of the regions’ available food. To ensure this demand is met, we must offer profitable agricultural opportunities for young people both on and off the farm. The current youth population (around 1.6 billion) nearly matches that of the entire earth in 1900. Tapping into the potential of this workforce, these young people can contribute to profitable economies and stimulate innovation.
The survival of farms always depends on the next generation. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, one-third of employed youth (350 million) will work in agriculture by 2035. Thomas Jayne makes the case that supporting this upcoming generation of farmers will determine the financial growth of these regions. According to Jayne, increased farm production and income can lead to and support a technology-driven economy. Whether agro-dealers, farmers or food processors, creating and maintaining these jobs will be key to national economic development.
Many rural youths are seeking higher-paying jobs in urban centers. Their exodus strains the farms that provide 80 percent of the regions’ available food. To ensure this demand is met, we must offer profitable agricultural opportunities for young people both on and off the farm. The current youth population (around 1.6 billion) nearly matches that of the entire earth in 1900. Tapping into the potential of this workforce, these young people can contribute to profitable economies and stimulate innovation.
The survival of farms always depends on the next generation. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, one-third of employed youth (350 million) will work in agriculture by 2035. Thomas Jayne makes the case that supporting this upcoming generation of farmers will determine the financial growth of these regions. According to Jayne, increased farm production and income can lead to and support a technology-driven economy. Whether agro-dealers, farmers or food processors, creating and maintaining these jobs will be key to national economic development.
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