In South Africa, there have been many demands for young people to work in agriculture because it is one of the industries with the most significant potential to alleviate poverty and create jobs. A few issues hinder youth participation.
These include a need for land, money, market access, skills, and training.
According to recent studies, more than half South Africa's population depends on agriculture, with 36.2% being young people aged 18 to 35. However, youth unemployment in rural regions remains relatively high, reaching 40-50%.
Young people frequently believe that the agricultural industry is hard work, appears antiquated, and involves keeping away from urban regions and cultural hubs.
What they do not know is that the agricultural industry offers them a variety of alternatives, including hydroponic farming, rural business, and entrepreneurship, as well as cutting-edge technologies and advantages such:
Engaging in entrepreneurship and innovation to solve the challenges and opportunities of the continent by utilising their abilities and ingenuity, accessing African markets, and fostering international trade, cooperation, and investment, they can improve food systems and decrease hunger and unemployment.
Amongst the youth that has seen the agricultural industry as an opportunity for business is Rorisang Sedumedi, a 26-year-old from Tlhabane West, an emerging poultry farmer.
Rorisang says that after realising that a single income is insufficient, he sat and thought of another way of creating revenue. He then started his poultry farm in 2019, inspired by his father.
His poultry business is called Thakadu Royals, "Feeding the nation", which, according to him, contributes to the development of his area through affordability, as many people cannot afford to buy food due to the rising prices.
"I sleep better at night knowing that because of my business' affordable prices, there is a person out there who managed to sleep with a full stomach," he added. "I believe what makes my business unique is cleanliness, humbleness, respect for my clients and my packaging style. My biggest achievement is a happy clientele," said Rorisang.
He says his challenge is the mortality of day-old chicks, as he had to invest more by buying proper heating equipment, which was later stolen and had to be replaced.
"I strongly believe that I am a farmer. No matter what happens, I will reinvest. My dad taught me that giving up is not an option, especially when it comes to what you love," he added.
Besides his challenges, what he likes about being a farmer is that he calls the shots. He acknowledges that time is revenue and if he respects it, he gains a lot. Hence his valuable skills are time management, teamwork, respect, honesty, and accepting his clients' opinions.
"What inspired me to start this business is that I do not want to be poor. I will strive for what I want until I get it. I want to see money working for me, not me working for money," he said.
Rorisang said that his area lacks farmers because the youth believe farming is solely for the elderly. His advice to the youth is to follow their hearts, follow their ambitions, and start their enterprises with what they have, rather than waiting for the government to help.
