The global population is expected to increase to 9 billion by 2050, of which, 14% are youth aged between 15 – 24 years. While the world’s youth population is will grow significantly, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth, especially those living in developing countries’ economically stagnant rural areas – remain limited, poorly remunerated and of poor quality. Few young people see a future for themselves in agriculture or rural areas. Some of the major challenges faced are: limited access to land; inadequate access to financial services; insufficient access to knowledge; information and education; difficulties in accessing green jobs; limited access to markets; and limited involvement in policy dialogue.
Yet, solutions exist in all parts of the world.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Technical Center for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have joined forces to conduct research and produce a publication which provides real life examples from developing and more advanced economies.
Each of six key challenges indicated above have been documented, and for each of them, seven to nine cases studies illustrate how they can be addressed. Analyses of the experiences, their implementation frameworks and indications on some of their results have been provided. Additional experiences have been indicated in the conclusions of each chapter. A number of the case studies carry innovations that have strong potentials to strengthen the engagement of youths and family farmers in agricultural value chains, enhance global food security and youth livelihoods.
Many of the initiatives reported originate with the young people themselves. They show that – when there is a supportive environment – youth are able to find innovative ways to create a future for themselves, and also contribute to the societies and communities in which they live.
The document builds on results of the project “Facilitating Access to Rural Youth to Agricultural Activities” undertaken by FAO/IFAD/MIJARC, as well as on CTA youth activities. CTA, FAO and IFAD hope that this publication will help development practitioners, youth leaders, youth associations, producers’ organisations and policy makers alike by providing insights into possible solutions that can be tailored to their own context. Download your copy here
There are new developments in the deer sector. Watch the video produced by 100% challenge which is reproduced here for educational purposes.
Deer was introduced in Mauritius some 360 years ago. From the 8 heads which were then released, the deer population has now reached some 70,000 head. The deer sector, occupies a total of 25,000 hectares of forest lands, of which 15,000 hectares are privately owned while the difference consist of state lands, which are rented out to farmers.
There exists some 60 deer farms in Mauritius and two types of farming, extensive and intensive, are carried out. Extensive deer rearing, whereby the animals are shot during the hunting season (June to September), is by far the most popular system in place and comprises a herd force of some 60,000 head.
Intensive farming (feedlots) was introduced in the mid 1970s. There are actually 10 intensive farms and the herd force consists of some 10,000 deer. Unlike extensive farming, the animals are reared in paddocks where a rotation system prevents overgrazing and parasite infestations (internal and external). The deer can also be handled at any time in a yard. Moreover, the animals can be shot all year round, provided those shot during the off season hunting period (October to May) are processed through the Central abattoir.
Annual production of deer meat is of the order of 420 tonnes carcass (of which extensive farming accounts for 90 per cent), out of a production capacity of 450 tonnes carcass. The reason of this difference being that a number of farms are actually increasing their herd force. The objective set by farmers is to produce 600 tonnes of deer meat by 2015.
Unlike the fresh beef and milk sectors, deer has a promising potential, provided farmers manage to overcome the marketing constraints, which appear to be the most dominant problem which the sector encounters.
Miss N.S. Theeroovengadum is a fresh graduate from the Faculty of Agriculture, she was elected chair of the Summit after an interview at the Ministry of Tertiary Education. Below she recounts some of her experience at the summit. Well Done.
I am Miss Theeroovengadum Nivershee Sandiana and I have chaired the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment for the very first Model African Union Summit held in Mauritius. Indeed, after an interview at the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology, I have been elected chairperson based on my leadership skills, sense of responsibility amongst others. It has been a wondrous and highly enriching experience. Moreover, it was a privilege for me to chair a committee, in a field where I have graduated with a BSc (HONS) in Agriscience and Technology. The Model African Union is undeniably a unique experience whereby students, simulating a delegate or non-delegate role, act with a common vision to think out of the box and focus on actions and policies that would bring about change. As a chairperson and as a former delegate for the Model United Nations in 2009, I would strongly encourage all students of the University of Mauritius, irrespective of their fields of study, to participate in the future Model African Union Summits if it is made a recurring event.
Les étudiants de diverses universités du pays se réunissent durant 2 jours au MGI a Moka pour le model african union summit.cette initiative de l’african union southern africa regional office vise à informer les jeunes africains sur le rôle et le fonctionnement de l’union africaine,r répartis en plusieurs groupes, les jeunes participants discuteront durant ces deux jours des défis concernant le continent africain. Reproduced form R.Gopaul, MBC.
Keshwar Lobin ( Head of delegate), Anusha Seechurn, Tejal Cheekhoory, Vagish Ramborun and Vedna Beeharry fresh graduates of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Mauritius won the best delegation for the 1st ever held Model African Union Summit 2014 on the 19th and 20th August 2014 at MGI.
We congratulate them for their successful participation in this inter-universities debate forum. We are very proud to be among the 10 awarded best delegations and having represented our university. They represented the country of Benin during this summit and Mr Shane Hurdowar academic staff of the Facukty was their mentor.
This article is extract of the world bank blog. Check the site for more information.
When weighing career choices, many young people in the developing world tend to shy away from agriculture.
I, too, once found myself disenchanted by the small villages and rice
fields I grew up seeing every day. As the conventional belief goes,
agriculture means an archaic lifestyle and a future with limited
opportunities for youth.
But I later learned I was wrong. Plenty of evidence shows us that
agriculture provides youth a viable way to harvest success and grow a
sustainable future. In other words, I believe youth can, and should,
choose agriculture. Here are five reasons:
1. Agriculture matters to the future of development.
Agriculture is up to four times more effective
than other sectors in reducing poverty. Increasingly, the world is
counting on agriculture to produce more nutritious food for — and
improve the livelihoods of — a booming population, especially the poor.
What could be more meaningful than being part of a proven solution to
such a critical challenge?
2. Agriculture can be a gold mine for young entrepreneurs.
Meet Randa Filfili,
a young entrepreneur from Senegal. She is also the first Senegalese
producer who saw value in the fruit of cashew trees that others had
considered waste, and turned it into “niche” jam products for export.
Through agribusiness, Randa has not only carved out a successful career
of her own, but also helped local farmers reach global markets, and
create jobs for other young people — especially women. So, the next time
you come across Randa’s all-natural cashew apple butter in your local
produce store, think about how you can also start up a business in agriculture to help both yourself and the rural poor.
In Uganda, a young team with the World Bank and UNICEF used a mobile and web-based app called “U-Report” to swiftly help 190,000 farmers save their bananas — a staple food for Ugandans — from a vicious disease. Countries like Kenya and Rwanda
are also eager to boost productivity through information and
communication technologies and other creative solutions. Agriculture in
the developing world has become a field vibrant with effective
innovations, thanks to a growing number of young techie minds that make
it happen.
4. Agricultural research needs young brainpower.
Transforming Agriculture in Eastern Africa
(Video via the World Bank)
If you are a “young nerd” into development research, agriculture may be the right place for you. Numerous stories from East Africa
and other places have shown that research revolutionizes agriculture
and transforms livelihoods. Today, more than before, climate change and a
growing demand for nutritious food are for fresh ideas and renewed
knowledge to explore ICT in agriculture, foster climate-smart agriculture and innovate in the sector to power future growth.
5. The trend of youth choosing agriculture is growing.
Photo by Arne Hoel / World Bank Flickr
Attitudes toward agriculture are already changing. In Cameroon,
where agriculture is becoming more competitive, young educated
Cameroonians “have decided to become farmers, acquire land, grow maize
professionally for trade, and manage their enterprises in order to earn a
living,” according to Félix Nkapemin, an agricultural expert working
with local farmers. Other countries like Armenia, Brazil, Malawi, and Senegal
are investing in youth and agriculture with the support from the World
Bank Group and other development organizations. Young people are also
increasingly speaking up for themselves on why they choose agriculture.
The trend is growing. Support for the agriculture sector is increasing.
The list of reasons is endless. This International Youth Day, I invite
you to share your thoughts and experiences on why you think youth should
engage in agriculture, and how it can help reduce poverty and boost
shared prosperity.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Technical Center for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have joined forces to conduct research and produce a publication which provides real life examples from developing and more advanced economies. 
When it comes to fighting poverty, 
