Unemployment remains a significant challenge eroding the aspirations of Nigerian youths.
The government has introduced several initiatives to combat this issue, including the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN!) program, which provides young entrepreneurs with access to finance, business training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Similarly, the N-Power initiative engages unemployed graduates in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, teaching, and technology, offering job opportunities and skill development.
Despite these efforts, unemployment persists, though there has been slight improvement.
In the second quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate stood at 4.3%, down from 5.3% in the first quarter, reflecting gradual recovery.
However, this improvement contrasts sharply with the soaring cost of living, as local production struggles with high costs and inflation rates continue to climb, exacerbating food prices.
Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 39.16% in October 2024, a significant increase from the previous year. Staples like rice, maize, yam, and oils contributed to this surge, despite the fact that these crops can be grown locally.
With only 22% of Nigerian youths expressing interest in agriculture, the potential for farming to create employment and alleviate poverty remains largely untapped.
Although the government has made efforts to attract young people to the agricultural sector, bureaucratic hurdles have hindered progress, necessitating more effective strategies.
Nigeria possesses vast, untapped arable land often sold to developers instead of being utilized for farming. Making land accessible to young people by creating farm settlements and selling land at affordable rates could address this issue.
These settlements, often in rural areas, could spur rural development with improved infrastructure such as roads, schools, and hospitals.
This would not only enhance the quality of life for young farmers but also encourage them to invest in agriculture while uplifting their communities.
Access to credit facilities is critical for young farmers to succeed. Nigerian youths are resilient and innovative, but financial barriers often limit their potential.
The government must implement favorable policies to support aspiring farmers, ensuring that funds provided are properly monitored and utilized.
While instances of mismanagement by some beneficiaries have discouraged further investments, stricter vetting processes and flexible repayment plans can help mitigate these risks.
Such measures would empower more young people to engage in farming, thereby contributing to the nation’s food security.
Providing farmers with access to reliable information is equally important. This can be achieved through farmer associations and agricultural extension officers at both state and federal levels.
Local government offices could employ additional staff to disseminate critical information to rural farmers. Dedicated television, radio programs, and digital platforms like YouTube channels could serve as avenues for farmers to seek advice and learn about modern farming practices.
Information on post-harvest activities, crop sales, and equipment usage would enable farmers to maximize profits and improve productivity.
The integration of technology into agriculture is essential to modernize the sector.
Advances such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) can revolutionize farming practices.
Precision farming techniques, weather forecasting, and pest management systems could significantly boost crop yields and reduce losses.
The government should invest in these innovations and ensure their accessibility to young farmers.
Youths, being more technologically adept, are well-suited to adopt and leverage these tools for commercial agriculture, which could benefit the economy immensely.
Agriculture must also become a more prominent part of the education curriculum. Practical, hands-on learning in school farms, along with vocational training in agribusiness management, can ignite interest in farming among students.
Internships and exposure to real-world farming operations would provide valuable experience, equipping young people with the skills needed to pursue agriculture as a viable career.
By implementing these strategies, Nigeria can transform its agricultural sector into a cornerstone of economic growth.
Encouraging youth participation in agriculture will not only boost food production but also address unemployment, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.