What is in Agriculture for the Youth

I still remember the disappointment and deep sadness I felt over a decade ago when I discovered that my university had offered me a place in Plant Science and Technology for my bachelor's degree. To me, and almost everyone around, this field lacked value and future potential. Many questioned, “What can you achieve with a degree in agriculture? Become a peasant farmer or a herbalist?”

However, my perspective on agriculture began to change during my freshman year when my dear mentor, Dr. Patrick Olademehin, though a chemist, started to show me the vast possibilities within agriculture - an industry far beyond traditional farming.

Agriculture is often viewed as an outdated field, especially in developing or underdeveloped nations. However, for today’s youth, it holds many opportunities beyond farming. Agriculture is a dynamic sector filled with innovation and promising career paths. It’s an industry where young people can thrive, make meaningful contributions, and build successful careers.

Let’s explore some of the key benefits agriculture can offer young people today:

1. Job Creation and Employment Opportunities

With the increasing world population, there is a rising demand for food, creating more job openings in production, distribution, marketing, and research. Young people can pursue careers in fields such as:

• Plant breeding
• Data analytics
• Product development
• Ag Marketing, sales, and communications
• Agricultural engineering
• Agronomy (crop science)
• Animal husbandry
• Food science and technology
• Environmental conservation & sustainability
• Regulatory science, etc.

2. Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities

Agriculture is ripe with entrepreneurial possibilities. Youths passionate about innovation can start their businesses in areas such as organic farming, agro-processing, and agritech. For example, young entrepreneurs can:

• Create start-ups that develop smart farming solutions using drones, sensors, and data analytics.
• Start organic farms or urban gardens that cater to growing markets for sustainable, healthy food.
• Develop products like eco-friendly packaging or new food items for the expanding global market.

3. Skill Development and Education

The agricultural sector offers a wealth of learning opportunities for young people. Whether through formal education, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training, youths can gain practical skills transferable to other industries. These skills include:

•  Technical knowledge in crop production, livestock management, and sustainable practices.
• Business and financial management skills needed to run agribusinesses.
• Leadership and problem-solving abilities, especially in managing agricultural projects or rural development initiatives.

4. Sustainable Income and Financial Independence

Agriculture can provide a reliable source of income, especially when appropriately managed. With the global demand for food steadily increasing, there are countless opportunities for young people to grow crops, raise livestock, or engage in agro-processing to earn a steady income. Youths in agriculture also have the advantage of diversifying their income sources by branching into related fields, such as value-added processing or agritourism.

5. Opportunities for Innovation

In agriculture, youth can directly apply creativity and innovation to solve problems. Modern agriculture is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and sustainable practices being developed daily. Young people can:

• Develop vertical farming, hydroponics, and aquaponics to grow food in urban environments.
• Explore clean energy solutions, such as solar-powered irrigation systems.
• Experiment with precision farming techniques to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

6. Access to Global Markets

Today’s agriculture is not limited to local or regional markets. Thanks to advancements in technology and logistics, young people in agriculture can tap into global markets, exporting their products to different countries. Whether it’s a niche organic product, a tech solution for farming, or a new food processing technique, the global reach of agriculture presents vast opportunities for young entrepreneurs and businesses to grow beyond local borders.

7. Social Impact and Community Empowerment

Agriculture gives young people a platform to create positive social change. In many rural areas, farming and agriculture are the backbone of the community’s economy. By getting involved in agriculture, young people can:

•  Empower local communities by providing employment and improving food access.
• Reduce poverty by increasing productivity and income for farmers and producers.
• Lead initiatives in sustainable farming that improve environmental conservation and combat climate change.

Conclusion

Agriculture is much more than just planting crops or raising livestock. For young people, it offers a range of direct benefits, from employment and financial independence to entrepreneurship and social impact. With access to new technologies, funding opportunities, and global markets, youth can play a transformative role in shaping the future of agriculture. It’s a field that offers sustainable income, room for innovation, and the chance to make a real difference in the world.

Do you agree?