Mauritius Case Study

Transcription

1 Mauritius Case Study Nawsheen Hosenally National Agricultural Youth Policy Dialogue Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius Reduit 12 th April 2013 Rationale of Study In Africa 44% population under 15 years Youth constitutes 65% of total employment (primarily Agriculture) Farming is perceived as old fashioned and low income generating sector There are opportunities in Agriculture, but not translated in formal policies Youths are critical Agricultural players that can help solve many world issues Youths should be part of decisions and policy processes in Agriculture 1

2 Country Background 2045 km2 Population: 1,3 million Economy based on different sectors Agriculture Textile Financial Tourism ICTs Youth Demographics Youth is defined as a person between 14 and 29 years of age Youth population between years old was estimated to be 306,532 (CSO, 2010) 23.9% of total population 154,863 (12.1%) males and 151,669 (11.8%) females 2

3 Youth Demographics Youth and Education Literacy rate is 88% Primary & secondary education free Youth and Employment Minimum legal working age is 16 years old Unemployment rate is 7.9% 38% below 25 years of age Urban and Rural youth Difference not very clear-cut Pockets of poverty in north and eastern coast Youth in Agriculture Youth Demographics Farmers/ Entrepreneurs Work in the formal Agricultural Sector Youths in Agriculture As a hobby Field of Study Youth Clubs 3

4 Youth and Agriculture - Mauritius Decline in Agriculture contribution to country s GDP Agriculture in Mauritius facing challenges: Climate change High cost of production Lack of labour Ageing farming population Lack of youth interest in agriculture Food insecurity Government pro-active and developed policies and strategic plan However, less consideration given to inclusion of youths in agriculture Youths have the potential to contribute to the sector, but vulnerable and need support Expected Outputs Perception of youth on changing realities of agriculture Youth and agriculture under current National and other policies and initiatives assessed Key institutions, mechanisms and tools for the engagement of youth in policy processes Opportunities for streamlining youth and agriculture into current and emerging youth policies and agricultural policies and initiatives identified 4

5 Methodology 1. Literature Review 2. Surveys key informants, youth in Agriculture, youth NGOs 3. Data Analysis and writing up of Report 4. Presentation of case study findings Youth Perceptions Generally perceived negatively by youths Different categories of youths interviewed Youth of different field of studies from University of Mauritius Youth engaged in Agriculture (producers and entrepreneurs) Each category has its own perception 5

6 Youth Perceptions Agriculture can help solve world issues like poverty and food security No opinion. It s just not meant for me I am studying engineering and intend to get a job in the same field, but I see Agriculture as a good business opportunity, and it will be my part-time activity. I have been in Agriculture for years and despite all challenges, this is where I belong There are not enough support and incentives given to youth in agriculture After graduation I did not find a job in the agriculture sector and had to work in another sector Agriculture and youth Policies Policy documents analysed: National Youth Policy Non-Sugar Sector Strategic plan Strategic Options Crop & Livestock Blueprint for a sustainable Diversified Agri-food Strategy for Mauritius Food Security Fund Committee Strategic Plan Multi-Annual Adaptation Strategy

7 Agriculture and youth Policies 1 policy on youth and agriculture Objectives of policy: To recognize the potential for enterprise in agriculture compared to traditional activities To promote a culture of entrepreneurship among youth To provide facilities for access to agricultural lands for cultivation and farming To consider tax exemption on agricultural tools and machinery To create facilities for marketing and export of agricultural products Agriculture and youth Policies Objectives of policy (Contd ): To help raise the status of young people involved in the agricultural sector To promote success stories and create role models in agricultural enterprise To disseminate correct information and provide advanced training for increased production in agriculture To initiate and motivate young people in extra-curricular agricultural activities right from primary school level To motivate and provide training incentives to young people in the field of agriculture, fisheries and entrepreneurial skills To promote agricultural youth clubs with the support of stakeholders 7

8 Institutions, mechanisms & tools for engagement of youth in agriculture When developing a Youth and Agriculture policy, together with the Ministry of Agro- Industry and Food Security, other Ministries and stakeholders concerned with youth and agriculture issues, should be consulted and involved in the policy planning, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Institutions, mechanisms & tools for engagement of youth in agriculture International institutions (FAO, CTA, IFAD, ILO etc) Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security Ministry of Youth and Sports Ministry of Education and Human Resources Ministry of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives Agricultural Research and Extension Unit Faculty of Agriculture University of Mauritius NGOs, Youth Organizations in Agriculture Farmer Organization Private Sector? 8

9 Opportunities in agriculture Opportunities across the value chain Input suppliers (agro-chemicals, planting materials etc.), Farm managers/producers/entrepreneurs Processors (value-addition/processing of products), Support institutions (banks, research, extension, competent authorities etc.), Agricultural consultants (communication, extension, social media specialist etc.), Trainers (university and other training institutions), Researchers (research institutions public and private sector), Wholesalers/Retailers/Exporters Service providers (Agricultural tools/machinery, GIS, GPS, transport, packaging, distribution) NGOs and youth organizations Opportunities in agriculture Entrepreneurship Hydroponics Agro-Processing and value-addition Export Cross-Border initiatives Exploit novel crops/products Application of ICTs in agriculture (Use of GPS, GIS, mechanization, Marketing Information System, Crop and livestock models, hydroponic systems, mobile applications, e-marketing, social media) 9

10 Conclusions Mauritian youths have a negative perception on Agriculture Youths involved in Agriculture face several challenges and need to be supported To ensure food security and sustainability, their contribution is crucial Youth and Agriculture policy can be developed and implemented Recommendations Implement existing agricultural policies and more coordination among institutions Introduce agriculture in education system since primary level and adapt curricula for tertiary education according to the market demand Provide incentives targeted to youth in agriculture Better visibility of Schemes/Programmes in agriculture Encourage use of ICTs in agriculture and promote new technologies 10

11 Recommendations Increase investment in agriculture Promote youth leadership in agriculture Introduce mentorship programmes to guide youths in agriculture Include youth in policy decisions Introduce pre-job training programme for youth in agriculture 11