YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE STILL A PAINPOINT FOR MALAWI

The research by Mwapata Institute and  the National Youth Council of Malawi themed “Prospects and Barriers to Youth Engagement in Agriculture and Food Systems in Malawi” has massively  exposed a decline in youth engagement in agricultural activities across the country.

The report highlights lack of resources like land and steady market and knowledge deficiency as major contributing factors.It has further stated that despite agriculture and food systems providing untapped, ample, and lucrative employment opportunities for Malawi’s youth, this potential is not fully utilized.

The Executive Director for Mwapata Institute, William Chadza has indicated that stakeholders should apply coordinated efforts role for youth integration into agriculture.

“Over the past two decades, youth engagement in agriculture has declined significantly, and the proportion of youths engaged in crop farming dropped from 83% in 2010 to 76% in 2020,” said Chadza.

He added, “Malawi’s youth are traditionally involved in subsistence farming, focusing on low-crop value chains such as maize (90%) and vegetables (52%), indicating that agriculture is not pursued as a business venture.”

Rex Chapota, Executive Director of the National Youth Council of Malawi, cited limited  access to financial services and start-up capital, limited access to technology, knowledge, information, and education as other hindering factors.

To address these challenges, the report calls for the establishment of a special agricultural funding facility for youths, promotion of agricultural diversification and inclusive commercialization among youths.

Additionally, the findings further recommend the need for urgent and concerted efforts to harness the potential of Malawi’s youth in transforming the agricultural landscape, ensuring sustainable development and economic growth for the nation.