THE NEED FOR YOUTHS PARTICIPATION/INVOLVEMENT IN AGRICULTURE-by Jonathan S Umaya

Agriculture remains an important economic pillar; therefore it should be an important priority for national development.

However, the nexus between youths in agricultural development and the country’s ability to achieve its goals of food security are inextricably linked; therefore, there is a need for the increased participation by Nigerian youths in Agriculture, as it is a vital tool in facilitating food security and also ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production and realization of the agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal government of Nigeria.

To facilitate sustainability in agricultural production, the issue of the ageing farming population in the country must be addressed. Statistics shows that the average age of a farmer in Nigeria is between 65-70 years. Now if young farmers don’t replace the ageing ones, food production in the country would be seriously compromised in the next 10-15 years. It is therefore necessary to encourage young farmers and the productivity level to ensure sustainable food security and development. The population of the youths in our society is strategic to the success of this effort to boost food production.

The seemingly compromised image of agriculture in Nigeria needs to be changed for the betterment of the future of our nation. The youths are the ideal catalyst for such a change by way of giving their greater propensity and willingness to adopt new ideas, concepts and technology which are all critical in changing the way agriculture has been perceived and practiced. Some benefits of involvement of youths in agricultural activities include: Opportunity to earn good income as well as good investment. Opportunity to be self-employed as well as become an employer.There are many existing agricultural agencies; NGOs these youths can become involved in, so as to develop their capacity for sustainable development.

Below are some suggestions on the need for an increased youth’s involvement in agricultural practice and participation; training on value added activities such as food processing and packaging, providing motivation and improving the image of agriculture, the NGOs should help to facilitate networking among the youths along side with the government through agricultural empowerment programmes.

My clarion call is that, Agriculture should not be left in the hands of old farmers as some may think or say, but youths in this country should be engaged and encouraged to participate and involve themselves massively in agricultural practices and activities, in order to save the looming food crisis in Nigeria and the world at large, and so as to facilitate food security through sustainable agricultural production and processing. The increased participation and involvement of the youth in agriculture is not an option but an obligation. This is because agriculture is the warehouse of potential business openings and opportunities and the leading provider of employment for both rural and urban young people (youths) in most developing countries of the world including Nigeria.