IFAD RESEARCH SERIES 36 - Who works in agriculture? Exploring the dynamics of youth involvement in the agri-food systems of Tanzania and Malawi

Kashi Kafle, Neha Paliwal and Rui Benfica

No 287201, IFAD Research Series from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Abstract: This analysis examines the dynamics of youth employment in agriculture and the agri-food system in Tanzania and Malawi - in and out of agriculture and the agri-food system. The study finds that when extending the definition of a farmer beyond household heads, that the average age of individuals participating in agriculture is 34 years in Tanzania, and 31 years in Malawi. In addition, there is a high degree of short-term stability in farming in both countries. 59 per cent of rural youth in Tanzania and 56 per cent in Malawi are consistently engaged in farming. While the figures are encouraging, it is likely that the poor economic prospects outside farming are what is driving strong participation in single-occupation farming. To increase youth employment, it is recommended that Tanzania and Malawi diversify the rural economy by creating opportunities in the agri-food system.

Keywords: Community/Rural/Urban; Development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 40
Date: 2019
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:unadrs:287201

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.287201

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