Youth and Agriculture: Opportunity or Illusion?
In Kenya, Agriculture is viewed as the cornerstone of our economy, employing majority of people (especially in rural areas). However, for the youths, it still feels like a gamble with no safety net. The average age of a Kenyan farmer is 61 years, while over 75% of Kenya’s population is under the age of 35. This generational gap in farming is a warning sign.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development less than 10% of youth are actively engaged in agricultural production, a missed opportunity for both employment and innovation.
At Brics Insights Consulting Ltd, we’ve worked closely and continue to work with smallholder farmers, agripreneurs, and policymakers across Kenya to understand what’s truly holding the youth back. The answer isn’t lack of interest. It’s lack of a supportive system.
Through our work in research, market analysis, and agricultural policy advisory, we promote:
(i) Climate-smart agriculture and natural resource management
(ii) Practical training for youth agripreneurs, climate adaptation and food security
(iii) Linkages to reliable markets and buyers
(iv) Policy engagement that ensures youth-inclusive programs
At Brics Insights Consulting Ltd, we believe that young people don’t fear farming, they fear being trapped in broken systems. If agriculture is to be the opportunity we speak of, then we must co-create solutions that blend technology, finance, training, and dignity.
The future of food and farming depends on whether we can transform agriculture into “agricoolture”, making it rewarding, and a resilient career path for the youth.
At BRICS, we’re committed to making that future of agriculture a reality.
