Engaging Youth in Agriculture through Information and Communication Technologies

This case study explores the nexus of youth, technology, and agriculture, highlighting insights from a meta-analysis of efforts around the world — and particularly in U.S. Government Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) countries — to engage youth in agriculture through ICTs. It begins with an analysis of the challenges hindering youth involvement in agriculture. These include:

• Family and community pressures
• Lack of perceived profitability
• Access to land
• Access to finance
• Access to education, technical training, and resources

The case study continues with an analysis of potential opportunities to improve engagement with youth in agriculture, including:

• Shifting the perception of farming within rural families and communities
• Exposing youth to agriculture early on, incorporating all aspects of the value chain (rather than just farming)
• Increasing the profitability and productivity of farming
• Introducing agriculture problems to youth to resolve them

Several examples are included to illustrate how organizations and projects within GFSS countries across Latin America, Africa, and Asia use ICTs to engage youth in rural communities and inspire them to consider agriculture and related careers. Examples discussed in depth include Agrijoven and Rana Labs (Guatemala), CocoaLink (Ghana), and ICT for Agri (Nepal).

The case study concludes with recommendations for USAID staff, implementing partners, and other organizations that wish to better engage youth in their agricultural programming through ICTs.