Agriculture has long been key to our economy, but we are now at a crucial point. With many farmers ageing and much potential still unused, young people need to get involved in agriculture. As we celebrate Workers’ Day, a national celebration of labour and contribution, it’s the perfect moment to explore how young Nigerians can shape the future of agriculture and, in turn, the nation.
Despite celebrating labour this year, agriculture is one important industry that demands a fresh focus. The youth, a frequently disregarded demographic, are central to this discussion.
Over 30% of Nigeria’s workforce is employed in agriculture, traditionally the foundation of the country’s economy. Ironically, a sizable section of Nigeria’s youth still finds it unappealing. The muddy boots of farming are far distant from the aspirations of today’s Nigerian youth in an era where entertainment, technology, and urban lifestyles rule the day.
Nigeria’s population is mainly youthful, with over 60% under 25. Meanwhile, Nigerian farmers are about 60 years old on average. This widening gap puts the agriculture sector’s sustainability at risk. Youth’s energy, adaptability, and openness to new ideas can address long-standing gaps in the industry, making it more productive and sustainable1. Driving innovation through technology: Youth in agriculture are uniquely positioned to integrate technology into farming. Unlike older generations, they’re quick to adopt tools like mobile apps for soil analysis or drones for crop monitoring. This shift toward agricultural innovation in Nigeria isn’t just a trend; it’s necessary to feed a growing population and compete globally.
2. Turning Agriculture into a career hub: Youth employment in agriculture offers a practical solution to Nigeria’s job crisis. Beyond traditional farming, opportunities exist in agro-processing, supply chain management, and agricultural policy advocacy. The sector’s potential to absorb millions of young workers is vast, especially as urban unemployment rises. By reframing agriculture as a dynamic, tech-driven field, we can attract talent and secure sustainable agriculture in Nigeria for decades.
While the promise of youth in agriculture is clear, the path isn’t without obstacles. Here’s a closer look at the hurdles and how they can be tackled.
Breaking the land: Access to land remains a major challenge. In rural areas, land is often tied up in family inheritance systems, leaving little for young entrants. Similarly, banks hesitate to lend to youth without assets, stalling their agricultural dreams.
Practical fixes: Government-backed schemes like the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme provide low-interest loans to young farmers. Joining cooperatives is another smart move—pooling resources allows youth to lease land collectively and share startup costs.
Trainings and Internships: Many young Nigerians lack hands-on training in modern agriculture. Academic programs often prioritise theory over practice, leaving graduates unprepared for the field.
Learning opportunities: Organisations like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) run youth-focused training in agribusiness and climate-smart farming. Free online resources, such as FAO’s e-learning academy, equip youth with cutting-edge knowledge.
Changing the narrative: Platforms like AgroCentric Nigeria showcase young innovators, proving that agriculture is lucrative and impactful.
Farming is just one aspect of young people’s participation in agriculture. The value chain for agriculture is broad and includes export, marketing, transportation, packaging, and processing. Whether a young person is a software developer, graphic designer, logistics expert, or business strategist, there is room to plug into agriculture.
It is important to emphasise that funding youth-led agribusiness is not only an effective economic strategy but also a social responsibility. Countries like Rwanda and Kenya have successfully revitalized their agricultural sectors by specifically targeting youth through specialized finance packages, innovation hubs, and accessible training programs. It is imperative for Nigeria to adopt and adapt these successful models more swiftly to foster its agricultural growth.
The good news is that both the public and private sectors have worked to encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture. Examples include the Central Bank’s Anchor Borrowers’ Program and several youth empowerment programs run by NGOs and agritech companies. But additional systemic adjustments are needed.
Youth-friendly policies that address mentorship, education, financing, and land access can facilitate a generational change in agriculture. Representation is equally important. Young farmers and agribusiness owners should be honoured to motivate others, and their success stories should be shared in the media, schools, and local communities.
This Workers’ Day is an opportunity to rethink agriculture from the perspective of young people, not just as workers but also as leaders. Nigeria lies at a crossroads: a youthful populace in need of opportunity, and an agricultural economy in need of regeneration.
The benefits are huge, the urgency is evident, and the collaboration is evident. By investing in young people in agriculture, Nigeria guarantees food security, employment, innovation, and a sustainable future.
Therefore, let’s honour not just the efforts of the past but also the possibilities of the future today. Youth in agriculture is more than just a catchphrase. It is the future of Nigeria.
Image Credit: FreePik
