There is a place for Young People in Agriculture

From the time I knew myself, I was somehow involved in agriculture. Thanks to my grandfather I came to know what earning an honest dollar through hardwork and discipline meant. It amazes me how he managed to get it all done, planting crops and rearing animals and for the most part single-highhandedly. As one of his grandsons we enjoyed the sweet treats of mangoes, coconut water and fresh cow's milk but this was only after transporting crocus bags filled with breadfruits, sweet potatoes or cassava. 

University education stepped in and there was never a thought of seeing agriculture as a viable career option.Fast forward to today where many young people are struggling to find decent employment in many of the saturated and traditional areas such as law, medicine and business. Brought up on the notion that these areas earn significant sums many now find their preconceived notions shattered. Guess what, people still have to eat which means agriculture will always remain viable option once we pay sufficient attention to the sector and not believe that we have to import everything from outside the region.

Yes It is hardwork and it is risky but with any business, hardwork and smart work are the keys to success. In addition there is something that youth have available to them which my grandfather’s generation did not have. They have the big advantage of technology : renewable energy, greenhouses, crop forecasting software programmes and the internet.There is a definite place for young people in agriculture. Now is the time to maximise these opportunities.