IFAD Research Series No. 36 - Who Works in Agriculture? Exploring the Dynamics of Youth Involvement in the Agri-Food Systems of Tanzania and Malawi

IFAD Research Series 36, 2019

40 Pages Posted: 6 May 2019 Last revised: 31 Jul 2019

See all articles by Kashi Kafle

Kashi Kafle

Texas A&M University (TAMU), Central Texas

Neha Paliwal

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Rui Benfica

Independent

Date Written: April 4, 2019

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: Agri-Food System; Agriculture; Youth; Tanzania; Malawi; Rural Development

Suggested Citation

Kafle, Kashi and Paliwal, Neha and Benfica, Rui, IFAD Research Series No. 36 - Who Works in Agriculture? Exploring the Dynamics of Youth Involvement in the Agri-Food Systems of Tanzania and Malawi (April 4, 2019). IFAD Research Series 36, 2019, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3366984 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3366984

Kashi Kafle

Texas A&M University (TAMU), Central Texas ( email )

College Station, TX 77845
United States

Neha Paliwal

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) ( email )

Via Paolo di Dono
Rome, 00142
Italy

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