Rural development : its effects on the participation of young farmers

Abstract

Agricultural employment is experiencing a decline in the number of young farmers and new entrants, who are willing to work in the agricultural sector. This is leading to a decline in agricultural potentiality, since retired farmers are not being replaced with new entrants. The main aim of this research was to study the current trends of young persons' involvement in agriculture, whereby a multi-dimensional approach was taken in order to attain the stated objectives. Firstly, the current agricultural situation and changes that occurred in the last 10 years were evaluated through the examination of the last two agricultural censuses. Secondly, the study revealed the major issues confronting young farmers, whereby first hand data was obtained from structured telephone interviews with young farmers. Thirdly, the research outlined aspects of rural development and agriculture that are preferred by young farmers and can encourage rural youths in general. A better illustration on the agricultural trends were outlined in the secondary data analysis and extrapolated from the results of the primary data collection. The results indicated a total increase of total agricultural population by 31% due to an increase in part-time farmers, contrasting the decline of full-time farmers. This increase was also evident in female participation which has increased by 109%. In addition, it highlighted the strong relationship between family bonds and agricultural work, which is observed as the most common trigger that motivates new farmers to start working in agriculture. This is somewhat a tradition in agricultural employment, whereby the farmer gain the skills and land from the older generation. As a matter of fact the acquisition of formal training and knowledge is still not much accepted within the farming community, having the majority of the farmers rejecting the idea of attending courses. The major issues disturbing the young farming population were also highlighted gathered first hand from the farmers themselves. These include the external competition, the unreliable income and the high job commitment, all related to the agricultural work and listed in order of magnitude. The study emphasize these problems encountered which are discouraging established farmers to keep this line of work, having 43% of the interviewees opting to leave the sector. These problems as well as the excessive bureaucracy is slowing down progress in rural areas. On the other hand this study has given light to some of the rural development tools which attracts the younger generation, including the restoration of rubble walls, modernization of fields and the implementation of alternative energy as being the most attractive measures amongst the sample under study. The hypothesis of the study suggests that youths' characteristics are paramount in enhancing the agricultural industry through the application of rural development measures, particularly since they are the most enthusiastic towards innovations and developments. Additionally, through this research, the major initiatives that can be further adopted to attract this crucial age group of young farmers were also identified.