National Strategy for Youth Involvement in Agriculture

In Tanzania, the youths provide an opportunity for increased economic development through their involvement in agriculture, which is the main activity in rural areas. The Tanzanian population and housing census (PHC, 2012) shows that, about 67 percent of labour force comprises of the youths aged between 15 and 35 years, and mostly unemployed. Accordingly, there is a signifi cant relationship in terms of the economy,
employment, investment growth rates and poverty. Th e youths have the potential to make signifi cant contributions to agricultural development at diff erent levels and can provide a tremendous opportunity for developing an agricultural based rural economy if properly harnessed. Furthermore, the growing economy can produce many employment opportunities, only if the available youth’s labour force is fully utilised, leading to the increase in income per capital with a signifi cant contribution to poverty reduction.

Th e agricultural sector should therefore provide opportunities for the youths to fully realise their potentials and to access those opportunities available to them along the agricultural value chain. In that regard, the Tanzania Development Vision 2025, NSGRPII (MKUKUTA II), the Five Year Development Plan 2011/12 – 2015/16 and Five Year Development Plan 2016/17 – 2020/21 are envisaged to promote employment growth amongst the youths. Similarly, the National Employment Policy (2008) and National Employment Creation Programme (2006 – 2010) recognize agriculture as one of the lead employing sectors. However, the sector is considered less attractive for the youths to participate fully.