Discussion on this blog is to focus on how we can take necessary steps to change the image of agriculture from being perceived as a 'dirty' or 'hard-up' job to a noble profession..whereby opportunities not only lead you to farming but numerous jobs available in and around agriculture...
Focus is more on the involvement of youth and use of ICT tools..
Why is agriculture so unpopular amongst our youth..?? Why do students only take up agriculture if they run out of subject combinations or if they think they will get an easy ride through exams..??..Why is agriculture (gardening) still used as a form of punishment in schools..??..Why do youths have a clear idea of what to become after taking science or commerce and absolutely clueless when it comes to careers associated with agriculture..??.. How can we eradicate these negative thoughts and issues??..How can we show that agriculture is much much more than farming..??..How do we make agriculture a "cool" subject..?? come on ARDYIS members..lets try to answer these questions??..
ReplyDeleteNice initiative man. The perception of youth about agriculture really needs to change. Young people need to begin to look at agriculture as a viable source of employment and wealth creation. I for one intend to invest heavily in agriculture because I think it is a highly under-utilized sector with respect to job and wealth creation. We need to encourage mechanized and commercial form of agriculture, properly structure agricultural organizations and sensitize young people to embrace agriculture.
ReplyDeleteThankz for your comment. I cant agree more that youth perception towards agriculture needs a 360 degree turn. I believe the education system of a country and awareness are two main elements that can bring about change. Agriculture needs to be encouraged to the students right from primary school so that when they reach secondary level, they have a strong view of this as a vital subject for ACP countries. Teachers should be humble enough not to put down agriculture in front of their own subjects..and sending students out to dig the garden for mischief should absolutely stop. The more negativity we instil into young minds, the less attracted to agriculture they will become..!! And the most important thing we need to let the young people know is that "agriculture = farming" is absolute crap...it is much much more then that..! the careers attached to agricultural studies is an inexhaustible list..
ReplyDeleteLAZINESS, PEER PRESSURE …
ReplyDeleteIn Fiji nowadays most youths are more interested in their bowl of 'grog' then providing for their family (and this is honestly happening in my community). The rate of unemployment today is way higher than 5 years ago. Being a banker or admin personnel (no offense) is a much more admired profession then getting your hands dirty (and this is what agriculture is known to be about i.e. farming). But we are ignorant to the fact that the land is our livelihood (we cannot live without it - can we??). Elders, parents, community leaders, etc. should be the first to go back to the land - NOW!
POLITICAL
If the government themselves advocate or become more vocal on 'agriculture' then their people will follow. It is how we advertise 'agriculture' that matters. Like you mention Ritz agriculture is more than just farming. Be more vocal on the other interesting aspects of agriculture and how not only can it bring riches to their lives, it can safe our environment as well.
There are so many reasons why ‘agriculture’ is unappealing to many people esp. youths nowadays.
So we should really concentrate on the question ‘how can we make ‘agriculture’ appealing to our modern day youths?
Agriculture is COOL! – You have to believe it yourself so others can too.
Thankz Miri for your contribution..its highly appreciated and some great suggestions there..!! kool..!!
ReplyDelete