Description
Abstract: A large part of the African economy depends on agriculture, and it is argued that the future of the sector hinges on attracting and retaining young people because more youth engagement has the potential to strengthen the agriculture sector, particularly in South Africa where the farming population is ageing, with an average farmer age of 62 in 2021, despite youth (18-34) comprising a third of the population. While images of rolling farmlands and bountiful harvests might evoke a sense of agrarian romance, the reality for young South Africans considering a career path in agriculture can be far more complex. As such, this study examines how young South Africans navigate pathways into farming enterprises, focusing on the factors that enable successful transition into agriculture as a viable career choice. Drawing on de Haan and Zoomers’ livelihood trajectories framework, the research analyzes in-depth interviews with eight young farmers from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces. The findings reveal that successful entry into farming benefits from the alignment of three critical factors: education and skills development, supportive family networks, and access to resources, particularly land. The study challenges prevailing narratives about youth disinterest in agriculture, demonstrating how young people actively transform constraints into opportunities through various forms of agency and innovation.
