Evaluating out-of-school youth participation in the agricultural sector in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Agriculture is regarded as one of the pillars for economic development for most developing countries including South Africa; however youth participation in the sector is minimal. Similar to the situation in many other developing countries both commercial and subsistence agriculture are practiced in South Africa. Agriculture is the primary employer and has the potential to contribute significantly towards youth employment and poverty reduction especially in rural areas of Limpopo province. However this might not be seen to be the case by the youth in rural areas of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study aimed at evaluating the extent of out of school youth participation in agricultural activities. the focus of the study was to (a) Identify and determine the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in agricultural out-of-school youth projects;(b) determine the socio economic factors that influence out-of-school youth participation in the agricultural sector;(c) determine and document the skills possessed by out-of-school youth participating in the agricultural sector and (d) determine strategies that can be used to attract and sustain youth participation in the agricultural sector. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection tools were used to collect data. These included semi-structured questionnaires, resource maps, transect walks and focus group interviews. The study revealed that out of school youth have the potential to contribute positively towards developing the agricultural sector as well as their local rural areas through agricultural activities. It was also shown that male youths were dominating in decision making of most of the projects even though their female counterparts generally played major roles in implementing agricultural activities. Although male youths dominated decision making in the projects, they were outnumbered in the projects by their female counterparts, more so for those in the early thirties (31-35). As revealed by the study, there was limited training in terms of skills development for out of school youths participating in agricultural projects. Also institutional factors such as access to land, funding and information flow influenced youth participation in agricultural activities. Partnerships between the state and other stakeholders were identified by all participants as crucial for attracting and sustaining youth in the sector and for addressing the constraints faced by the youths, e.g. Financial, technical and marketing problems. Several socio-economic factors that affect participation of out of school youth in agricultural activities were significant at different level of significance. Youth participation in agricultural activities in the study area varied from district to district. v Youth projects consist mainly of primary production activities with few supporting actors alongside the value chain. As such there are several constraints that prevent youth projects from accessing the high value chain markets. Therefore the study recommends the formulation and implementation of policies that are aimed specifically at youth in agriculture. Such policies can include subsidized inputs to youth projects and access to fund without demanding collaterals. Improved access to extension support and information centres will improve participation of youth in agricultural activities. Establishment of linkages alongside the agricultural value chain will allow youth projects to access high value markets. Multistakeholder partnership between government and all actors in the value chain will ensure effective and efficient demand drive service delivery