A Scoping Review on Youth Participation in Agriculture: Sustainable Development, Food Security, and Economic Growth

Abstract

Youth participation in agriculture is a critical aspect of sustainable development, food security, and economic growth in many regions worldwide. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of existing literature on youth engagement in agricultural activities. The review explores various dimensions of youth involvement in agriculture, including motivations, challenges, opportunities, and impacts. The methodology involves a systematic search of electronic databases, including scholarly articles, reports, and grey literature, to identify relevant studies published within a specified timeframe. The inclusion criteria encompass literature that examines the participation of youth (aged 15-35) in agricultural practices, policies, programs, and initiatives across different geographic regions and socio-economic contexts. Initial findings suggest a growing interest in understanding and promoting youth engagement in agriculture, driven by concerns about rural development, unemployment, and food insecurity. Motivations for youth involvement vary widely and may include economic incentives, cultural traditions, social factors, and environmental consciousness. However, numerous challenges hinder youth participation, such as limited access to land, financial resources, education, and technology, as well as negative perceptions of agriculture as a career. Moreover, the review identifies a range of opportunities for enhancing youth involvement in agriculture, including entrepreneurship programs, vocational training, access to markets, digital platforms, and policy interventions that support youth-friendly agricultural policies and strategies. Furthermore, the review highlights the diverse impacts of youth engagement in agriculture, including contributions to food production, innovation, rural development, poverty alleviation, and sustainable livelihoods. Overall, this scoping review provides valuable insights into the complexities surrounding youth participation in agriculture and underscores the need for multifaceted approaches to address barriers, leverage opportunities, and harness the potential of young people in shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities. Future research directions and implications for policy and practice are also discussed.