Addressing Unemployment Through Agriculture: Cultivating Prosperity from the Ground Up

In a world seriously grappling with escalating unemployment rates, agriculture emerges as a beacon of hope, offering sustainable solutions to joblessness, especially in developing nations. The sector’s potential to absorb labour, stimulate economic growth, and ensure food security positions it as a pivotal player in addressing unemployment challenges. As the World Bank aptly notes, “Agriculture can help reduce poverty, raise incomes, and improve food security for 80% of the world’s poor, who live in rural areas and work mainly in farming”. Kofi Annan once stated that, “Agriculture is the only sector that can absorb the unemployed and underemployed.” By revitalizing agriculture, Nigeria can not only address unemployment but also foster economic growth and social stability.​

Agriculture as an Employment Engine

Globally, agriculture has historically been a primary source of employment. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, a significant portion of the population relies on farming for their livelihoods. For instance, in Kenya, initiatives focusing on youth engagement in agriculture have shown promise in curbing unemployment. By integrating modern technologies and providing access to markets, these programmes have transformed agriculture into a viable career path for the younger generation.

Similarly, in South Africa, the Voiceout Deaf farming collective offers a compelling example of inclusive agricultural employment. Founded by Matebogo Victoria, this initiative provides deaf individuals with opportunities to acquire farming skills and secure employment, thereby addressing both unemployment and social inclusion.

Nigeria’s Agricultural Potential

Nigeria, with its vast arable land and favourable climate, holds immense potential in agriculture. Despite this, the sector remains underutilized, contributing to the nation’s high unemployment rates. Recent studies indicate that agriculture accounts for approximately 34.31% of total employment in Nigeria. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to credit, and outdated farming techniques hinder the sector’s capacity to absorb the burgeoning labour force (Trading Economics).​

To unlock agriculture’s potential, Nigeria must invest in modernizing the sector. This includes providing farmers with access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and training on best practices. Additionally, developing rural infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, can reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.​

Empowering Youth Through Agripreneurship

Engaging the youth in agriculture is crucial for sustainable development. Programmes that combine agricultural training with entrepreneurship can transform farming into an attractive venture for young people. For example, Babban Gona, a Nigerian social enterprise, has successfully trained and supported over 110,000 smallholder farmers, many of whom are youths. By providing access to credit, training, and markets, Babban Gona has not only improved livelihoods but also contributed to reducing unemployment.

Youth engagement in agriculture is very crucial for sustainable development. Initiatives like the Youth Empowerment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP) aims to attract young Nigerians to the sector by providing training, mentorship, and access to finance. Success stories abound, such as that of Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, who founded the Smallholders Foundation to support small-scale farmers through radio education and innovative technologies.​

Moreover, integrating technology into agriculture can appeal to tech-savvy youths. Mobile applications that provide real-time information on weather patterns, market prices, and farming techniques can enhance productivity and profitability. Such innovations can make agriculture more appealing to the younger generation, thereby addressing youth unemployment.​

Countries like Brazil and India have demonstrated how agricultural development can drive employment. Brazil’s “Fome Zero” programme combined social protection with support for family farming, lifting millions out of poverty. India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) provided wage employment through agricultural and rural infrastructure projects, reducing unemployment and stimulating rural economies.​

Role of Government and Policy Frameworks

Government policies play key roles in shaping the agricultural landscape. Supportive policies that provide subsidies, tax incentives, and access to credit can encourage investment in agriculture. In Nigeria, the government’s recent collaboration with the African Development Bank to mobilize $2.2 billion for establishing agricultural processing zones is a step in the right direction. These zones aim to enhance food security and generate employment by bringing processing facilities closer to farmers, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening agricultural value chains.

Furthermore, implementing land reforms to ensure secure land tenure can encourage farmers to invest in their land, leading to increased productivity and employment. Establishing agricultural extension services can also provide farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to adopt modern farming techniques.

Addressing the Farmer-Herder Conflict: A Barrier to Agricultural Employment

One significant challenge to agricultural employment in Nigeria is the ongoing farmer-herder conflict, particularly in the Middle Belt region – Benue, Plateau etc states. This conflict, rooted in competition over land and water resources, has escalated due to climate change, population growth, and the breakdown of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. The violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced communities, disrupting agricultural activities and deterring investment.​

Solutions

Addressing the farmer-herder conflict requires a multifaceted approach:​

• Policy Reforms: Implementing and enforcing anti-open grazing laws, while providing alternatives such as ranching, can reduce clashes over land use. ​
• Community Engagement: Promoting dialogue between farmers and herders through traditional and religious leaders can foster mutual understanding and conflict resolution. ​
• Economic Incentives: Supporting herders to transition to sedentary livestock farming with access to credit, veterinary services, and markets can alleviate pressure on grazing lands. ​
• Security Measures: Enhancing security in vulnerable areas and ensuring justice for victims can deter future violence and build trust among communities. ​.

Conclusion

Agriculture stands as a formidable tool in the fight against unemployment. By harnessing its potential, countries like Nigeria can create sustainable employment opportunities, especially for the youth. As the sector evolves with technological advancements and supportive policies, it can transform from a subsistence activity into a thriving industry. The journey towards reducing unemployment through agriculture requires collective effort, strategic investments, and unwavering commitment. As we sow the seeds today, we cultivate a future of prosperity and inclusivity for generations to come.

Contributed by Agolo Eugene Uzorka, a Human Resource Consultant and Content Writer.