Young people want to build the farming sector

Many young South Africans, including students in and around Potchefstroom, embrace agriculture as a viable career option despite difficulties such as safety concerns on farms and the effect of climate change. 

The magazine SA Grain has reported that South African youth who work in agriculture are able to contribute to food production and alleviate unemployment. The article, done in 2019, also showed that young people want to contribute to food security and poverty alleviation in the country. This viewpoint is still being supported by young and experienced farmers despite challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. 

A third-generation farmer Raymond Boardman, who has about 40 years experience on one of the biggest farms in the Potchefstroom area, is positive about agriculture in South Africa. 

 “Agriculture is definitely in a strong place, not just in South Africa, but in the world,” said Boardman, adding that the youth will be able to contribute to the need for food production. Boardman believes that farming will always be the key solution to the food production problem a growing population faces. The 64-year-old Boardman says that despite the obstacles facing South African farmers the market will prosper for years to come. 

Boardman’s views are supported by Koos Harding, a second generation farmer, who recently relocated from a farm near Hoedspruit in Limpopo to the Potchefstroom district.  “I think there are many opportunities in various agricultural sectors  such as the economy or production. So, I will encourage young people to enter agriculture. You do not necessarily have to farm. There are many other things you can do in agriculture,” Harding said.

 According to him an aspect that could deter people from joining the sector is political challenges.

Ivan John (21), who studies agriculture at  North-West University (NWU), also has a positive outlook. “I grew up on a farm and it unlocks a deep passion if one works on the land for so long,” said John. He believes young people are essential to the growth of the agriculture field. “If more young people get involved in the agriculture sector, there will definitely be progress because young people are open to try new technology and processes and implement them. They don’t stagnate in the old traditional way of farming,” said John. 

Jolani Strauss (22), who currently works on a farm near Potchefstroom said that young people from her hometown of Boksburg in Gauteng wanted to work on farms because it was financially viable and, “fairly easy work”. Strauss said those who did “hard labour” on the farms were under the age of 30, where the managers doing office work were older. 

She said there were many benefits if you worked on a farm:  It taught you independence, time management, motivation, respect and to appreciate nature.  It also gives you a purpose in life because if you are not going to get up and do your job no one is going to do it,” said Strauss.

Dr. Ernst Idsardi from North-West University works in the field of agricultural development and trade. He says the agricultural sector around Potchefstroom is performing well at the moment. “A lot of young people want to help alleviate food scarcity, and paying attention to the statistics in the field helps them to do so,” he said. According to him several factors could help to unlock agriculture’s potential further. 

“More policy certainty, better private-public partnerships, better implementation of agricultural development policies and a stronger focus on sustainable production is what was needed in this sector,” Idsardi said. 

For young people a few other problems have to be addressed as well, according to SA Grain magazine. These include a lack of mentorship and a lack of capital to start their own agriculture businesses. – Agriculture desk