Engaging Youth in Agriculture: Drivers, Barriers, and Policy Options for Career Participation in Kenya

Abstract

Addressing rising food demand amid population growth and environmental challenges requires more youth engagement in agriculture. In many developing countries, this role is still dominated by ageing farmers. This study examined the career intentions of college-educated youth in Kenya using the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Entrepreneurial Cognition frameworks. Through a sequential mixed-methods approach involving 266 final-year university students, the findings revealed that over 80% expressed strong intentions to pursue agriculture-related careers. These intentions were largely influenced by attitudinal, normative, and perceived behavioural control factors from the TPB, alongside entrepreneurial cognition frameworks like opportunity recognition and problem-solving. Key determinants included family background—especially prior exposure to farming—and educational experience. Contrary to the prevailing narrative of youth disinterest, respondents displayed strong aspirations toward agriculture, with gender-based differences evident in perceived constraints such as land access and cultural norms. Despite the several challenges faced by the youth, such as limited access to capital, land constraints, labour intensity, and inadequate family support, the majority express strong intent to pursue agriculture as a career. These insights underscore the importance of designing interventions that are responsive to the distinct needs of youth, particularly along age and gender dimensions. The study recommends a multi-pronged policy approach: establishing a Youth Agrifinance Window, promoting exposure to agrifood innovations, creating Land Leasing Platforms, and integrating Agripreneurship Hubs in universities to support incubation, aimed at translating youth intentions into active agricultural engagement.