Government initiatives and learner perceptions influencing agriculture as a career choice in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

The participation of young people in farming has been one of the key issues for the South African government. For this reason, the government has implemented several important policies and strategies to inspire the youth to participate in agriculture. Strategies include programs that promote and support smallholder agricultural businesses, particularly those owned by the youth. National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) was established with one of the objectives being to assist young people of this country to establish their own farming businesses. furthermore, the National Empowerment Fund has provided financial support to the youth with the intention of promoting their full participation in farming. Youth participation in agriculture and the promotion of agripreneurship are vital for food security and the achievement of SA economic goals, yet government efforts do not seem to have resulted in the expected outcome. This study sought to investigate government initiatives and learner perceptions that influence the selection of agriculture as a career choice in KwaZulu-Natal. A quantitative methodology was employed with 140 questionnaires distributed by hand to the students of uMfolozi TVET Colleges (Nkandla, Eshowe, and Bhambanana/Jozini) in Kwazulu-Natal province. The findings indicate that students perceive that the agricultural industry does not provide clean jobs and that agricultural professions in general are not attractive. Students consider that resources are limited, and they lack the knowledge to utilise those that are available. The study proposes possible strategies to attract youth to careers in agriculture.