Youth engagement in agriculture has declined over the past two decades from 83 percent to 76 percent, a study by the MwAPATA Institute and the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) has revealed.
The study examines the prospects and barriers to youth engagement in agriculture and food systems in Malawi.
Executive Director of the MwAPATA Institute, William Chadza, attributes the study’s findings to several factors, including a lack of access to finance, difficulties in accessing land for agriculture, the absence of youth-friendly markets and policies, and a lack of knowledge and expertise in agricultural activities.
Executive Director of NYCOM, Rex Chapota, noted that 80 percent of people in the country are below 35 years of age and require specific funding, tailor-made youth policies and programmes to foster agricultural outcomes among the youth.
