The Role of African Youth Attitude in Agriculture: A Comprehensive Overview

Abstract

Agriculture in Africa plays a significant role in the sustainable livelihood of households in rural and semi-rural areas. African youth participation in agriculture is viewed as a challenge, as is their contribution to the economy in developing countries. In most rural communities, sustainable agriculture is crucial in food security, poverty alleviation, and job creation. With that in mind, unemployment among the youth is high, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. It is also important to note that the agricultural sector is transforming with technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Therefore, understanding the attitude of youth towards agriculture is pivotal to the sustainability and viability of the sector. This review critically analyses perspectives on youth attitudes in the agricultural sector by thoroughly examining academic literature. The review investigates factors influencing youth perceptions of agriculture, drawing upon an extensive diagnostic analysis of academic literature, empirical studies, and reports, including socioeconomic factors, attitudes towards agricultural activities, and attitudes as barriers to agricultural education and training. This intellectual piece dwells on indicators of influence between youth attitudes towards agriculture in African countries. Existing literature widely acknowledges youth as pivotal for economic success in agriculture. However, the effective integration of youth into the sector relies on Agricultural Extension policymakers facilitating their inclusion through tailored training programs and opportunities. It is the understanding of this review that the opportunities that enable agricultural participation correlate with the availability of resources for successful contribution to sustainable agriculture.