Youth engagement in agricultural policy processes in Malawi

Mapila, Mariam A. T. J.; and Kazembe, Cynthia. 2015. Youth engagement in agricultural policy processes in Malawi. Presented at the 29th Triennial International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE), August 8 -14, 2015 in Milan, Italy. https://purl.umn.edu/211821

This study assesses the nature of networking between youth and agricultural policymakers – given youth disillusionment with agricultural livelihoods. Using the Malawi case, a mixed methods approach shows that first local government departments that are mandated to work on youth issues are the main hubs of information for youth in agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture plays a secondary role. Second, the study shows that youth in agriculture have little or no direct interactions with each other. Therefore, youth remain on the periphery of agricultural policymaking and their role in shaping agricultural policy dialogue is negligible. This is attributable to both lack of a deliberate government policy to include the youth and lack of a unified youth platform. The onus is therefore on the youth to ensure that they are effectively engaged in agricultural policy dialogue. The study conclusions with policy recommendations relevant for countries with the ‘youth/agriculture’ problem like Malawi. Kadzamira, Mariam; Kazembe, Cynthia