Youth Involvement in Agribusiness for Sustainable Economic Development and National Security: A Conceptual Review

Abstract

Providing economic opportunities for youth in agribusiness is essential to securing the future of agriculture in Nigeria. However, barriers limit youth involvement in agribusiness and the broader food system. The study aimed to assess the potentials of youth involvement in Agribusiness in Nigeria particularly looking at the opportunities, issues and challenges that could facilitate growth and open up the sectors of the economy for sustainable economic development and national security. The findings showed that existing agricultural interventions are production-centric and provide low-income earnings and inadequate social protection. The study also noted that the youth have pessimistic perceptions about agriculture’s capability of improving their living standards. This could be ascribed to the minimal youth involvement in agricultural activities and the youth’s shared understanding of the agricultural sector’s contribution to general economic growth and national security. From a policy perspective, the literature revealed that current agricultural development programs do not adequately address structural issues underpinning youth involvement in the economy. Therefore, to enhance the involvement of youths in agriculture, there is a need for policy implementation in the area of integrated agricultural-based interventions that are context-specific and promote meaningful youth participation in shaping future food systems.