DETERMINING THE FACTORS AFFECTING YOUTH

INVOLVEMENT IN AGRIGULTURAL PRODUCTION IN MALAWI

(A Case study of Lilongwe ADD, Malingunde EPA)

YOUR NAME

A RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF

DEVELOPMENT STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS OF THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR

OF SCIENCE IN AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT

LILONGWE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL

RESOURCES

(LUANAR)

OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL)

MAY, 2022
Declaration

I, YOUR NAME, declare that this Research Project is a result of my own original work and effort,

and that to the best of my knowledge, the findings have never been previously presented to the

Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) or elsewhere for the award

of any academic qualification. Where other information was sought, it has been rightfully

acknowledged.

Your name

Signature: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

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Certificate of approval

We, the undersigned, certify that this Research Project Report is a result of the author’s own work

and that to the best of our knowledge, it has not been submitted for any other academic

qualification within the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) or

elsewhere. The Research Project Report is acceptable in form and content, and that satisfactory

knowledge of the field covered by the research project was demonstrated by the candidate through

an oral presentation.

Supervisor: Admore Kamanga

Signature: ______________________

Date: ______________________

Head of Department: Dr Bonnet Kamwana

Signature: ______________________

Date: ______________________

Dean of Faculty: Dr. Joseph Dzanja

Signature: ______________________

Date: _____________________

iii
Dedication

I dedicate this Project Research Report to my ABCDE and my two lovely daughters FGH and
XYZ.

iv
Acknowledgements

I acknowledge my supervisor, Mr. Admore Kamanga for the many hours of proofreading and
guidance, XYZ, Mr. Banda and to my many friends for the word of encouragement and push all
of them are my cheerleaders

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Table of Contents
Declaration..................................................................................................................................... ii
Certificate of approval ................................................................................................................. iii
Dedication ..................................................................................................................................... iv
Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... v
List of figures .............................................................................................................................. viii
List of tables.................................................................................................................................. ix
Acronyms ....................................................................................................................................... x
Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... xi
Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Background information ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Problem statement ............................................................................................................................. 3
1.4 Justification of the study ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Objectives ............................................................................................................................................ 4
1.5.1 Main objective ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.5.2 Specific objectives ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Research questions ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.7 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2 Literature review .................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Agricultural productivity and production in Malawi ........................................................................... 6
2.3 Conceptual framework........................................................................................................................ 7
2.3.1 Background variables ................................................................................................................ 7
2.3.2 Other determinants ................................................................................................................... 8
2.4 Significance of youth involvement in agriculture production............................................................. 9
2.5 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Chapter 3 Methodology .......................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Materials and methods ..................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.1 Study area................................................................................................................................ 11

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 3.2.2 Research approach and design................................................................................................ 11
3.2.3 Sampling frame and sample size ............................................................................................. 11
3.2.4 Sampling design....................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.5 Data collection method ........................................................................................................... 12
3.2.6 Data analysis ............................................................................................................................ 12
3.3 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 4 Results and discussions ......................................................................................... 14
4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Results and discussion....................................................................................................................... 14
4.2.1 Demographic data ................................................................................................................... 14
4.2.2 Youth involvement in agriculture ............................................................................................ 15
4.2.3 Why some youths practice agriculture production................................................................. 16
4.2.4 Popular species and varieties youths produce ........................................................................ 17
4.2.5 Other factors that prompt youths to engage in agricultural production ................................ 18
4.2.6 Would provisions of the following enhance youth’s involvement in agriculture? ................. 19
4.2.7 Perception of youths’ involvement in agriculture................................................................... 21
4.3 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Chapter 5 Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................... 24
5.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 24
5.2 Conclusions ....................................................................................................................................... 24
5.3 Limitations of the study .................................................................................................................... 24
5.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................ 25
5.5 Areas for further study ...................................................................................................................... 25
References .................................................................................................................................... 26

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List of figures
Figure 2.3: Factors that affect youth involvement in economic activities .................................................... 9

viii
List of tables
Table 4.1: Age of respondent versus marital status ...................................................................... 14
Table 4.2: Factors that affect youth involvement in agriculture ................................................... 15
Table 4.3: Reasons why other youths are involved in agricultural production ............................ 16
Table 4.4: Popular species that are produced by the youths ......................................................... 17
Table 4.5: Other factors that prompt youths to engage in agricultural production ....................... 18
Table 4.6: Provisions that would prompt youths to be involved in agricultural production ........ 19
Table 4.7: Interventions to enhance youth involvement in agriculture ........................................ 20
Table 4.8: Perception of youths in agricultural production .......................................................... 22

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Acronyms
EPA Extension Planning Area

SPSS Statistical Package for Social Scientists

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

NSO National Statistical Office

OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund

FANRPAN Food,Agrigulture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network

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Abstract
The population of Malawi is youthful comprising over 51% of individuals aged between 18 and
40. However, only a small proportion of the youthful population is involved in agricultural
production. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that affect the involvement of the
youths in agricultural production in Malawi. Specifically, the study was to validate and assess the
level of involvement of the youth in agricultural production; to identify social, cultural and
economic factors that limit youths’ participation in agricultural production and to identify
interventions that would enhance youth involvement in agricultural production. A survey was
conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire and interfaced 39 individuals in a one on one
interview. It was ascertained that the minority of youths are involved in agricultural production
either as a source of labor or do own production. Lack of alternative sources of livelihood, lack of
start-up capital, lack of formal markets that result in exploitation by the informal market such as
vendors, lack of policy and mechanism to enforce them featured as some of the factors that affect
youths’ participation in agricultural production. The study also noted that female youths are more
disadvantaged than males, who are stronger and easily find capital to finance agricultural
production. To enhance youth’s participation in agricultural production, the following
interventions are suggested: government could review the syllabus to focus on the business aspect
of production to stimulate interest in the youths; provide capital to youths through loans or engage
them in contract farming. In conclusion, the low participation of youths in agricultural production
is mainly because of lack of interest as well as capital resources.

Key words: Youths, low participation, factors, agricultural production, enhance participation

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Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction
Youths constitute the majority of the population in Malawi and in the world. The number of youths
graduating from tertiary and secondary schools is increasing every year. Sadly, the number of job
created every year is not proportional, which result in high unemployment rate. Agricultural
production is equally an employment opportunity. However, the number of youths involved in
agricultural production is reportedly low, hence this study. This chapter presents the background
to the study. It presents problem on the ground and why its execution is important. It also sets mile
stones which will be attained.

1.2 Background information

The population of Malawi is youthful, with 80 percent of it constituted by persons of aged below
35 years (NSO, 2016; OECD Development Centre; 2018; UNICEF, 2020). Malawi therefore
comprises very energetic individuals who ought to be central in defining their destiny and
contributing towards the country’s economic growth. It is further envisaged that if the youths
are involved in economic activities, there could be significant shift in socio-economic
development and transformation of the country. Unfortunately, young people are often faced
with age-related challenges and barriers, such as lack of capital investment, skills and
experience, among other things, which affect their participation in economic, political and social
development activities. Consequently, youths’ skills and congenital development are rendered
obsolete.

Agricultural production also faces low participation by the youth (Haruna et al., 2019). Thus the
production statistics in terms of farming families show less number of youthful farming
households. The participation of youthful agricultural professionals in policy debates or
agricultural related developments is also too low. This is sad development because Malawi is
agricultural based and it’s a youthful country with the majority of its population aged between
18 and 45. Thus Malawi loses out on individuals, who have energy and knowledge enough to
develop the agricultural sector. The recently renewed international attention for agriculture as a

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driver of economic development implicitly embrace the sad reality and hence calls for new
impetus by engaging young people in agriculture. Otherwise it has been stressed enough that
agriculture offers many opportunities including job and wealth creation that remain untapped
(FANRPAN, 2012). The youth in Malawi bemoans of unemployment and yet look away from
agricultural production. Sadly, there is no clear policy that depicts the relationship between the
youth and agriculture. The national youth policies and initiatives are in place but are not concise
on the extent to which they are linked to agriculture, the engine for economic growth and
development in Malawi. It is imperative to determine the factors that affects the youth
involvement in agricultural hence this study. The paper is structured as follows, next is
background, then problem statement, justification of study, objectives, research question,
significant of the study, literature review and research methodology.

According to National Youth Policy (2013), youth in Malawi are those aged between 10-35
years old. As of 2013, the country social demographic profile showed that Malawi had a
population of 13,077,160. The majority (84.7%) of the population was living in the rural areas
and was dependent on agriculture for their livelihood (food and income). The Youth chart
showed that 60% of the population was under the age of 20 years, 40% was between 10 and 29
years and 48 % were under 18 years. During the year of the survey, life expectancy was averaged
at 44 years. Malawi’s population is youthful, hence very dependent (Naamwintome and Bagson,
2013). It is not surprising therefore that the country is ranked amongst the least developed in the
world, 174th out of 189 countries (UNDP, 2010) with 39% of the population living below
poverty line. Given that the population consists largely of youth, it could be concluded in two
fold. Firstly, the underdevelopment is as a result of the inactivity and hence overdependence of
the youth. Secondly, the majority affected by poverty are the youths.

Two of the indicators of the country’s economic performance are the gross domestic product
(GDP) and foreign exchange earnings. In 2010, Malawi’s GDP was 5.2 billion of which 34.7%
was a contribution from agriculture. In addition, agricultural exports accounted for over 80% of
foreign exchange earnings. Overall, agriculture absorbs over 80% of the national productive
workforce through production, processing and several other stages in the value chain (World
Bank, 2010). The national budget is also a reflection of the importance of agriculture to the

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national economic performance. Almost annually, agriculture is allocated 32% of the national
budget of which 50% goes to fertilizer subsidy program (FISP) for poor resource, vulnerable
households.

The introduction of subsidy program had positive outcomes. The economy grew with about 7%
above the sub –Saharan average and the Malawi was listed amongst the top 20 performers on
several Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) indicators such as Gross Domestic Product
(GDP), which increased by 40%. For the first in years, Malawi registered a bumper yield and
had surplus maize, the main staple and a food security crop in Malawi. Therefore agriculture is,
without doubt, the engine for Malawi’s economic growth and development. The country mainly
produces maize as a staple and tobacco as an export crop besides tea, sugar and cotton. But, big
corporations and large-scale farmers largely grow these crops than the smallholder farmers.

1.3 Problem statement

The agricultural sector in Malawi is dualistic and largely (85%) comprises smallholder farmers,
who produce for consumption. Yet, Malawi is agro based. The estate sub-sector is therefore
burdened to produce enough to serve both the domestic and international market. The estate sub-
sector account for over 70% of agricultural GDP as well as agricultural export earnings and only
30% from the smallholder farmers, who only sale the surplus. Truthfully, there is no growth of
the agricultural sector in Malawi let alone of the country. Issues of low productivity and
production continue to plaque the sector. As a result, there is deficit demand on both the
domestic and international market. Over the recent years, the government has been advocating
for commercialization of agricultural sector to push enhance productivity and production. For
this to materialize, a lot of effort is required. First, there is need to change the way of doing
business, which requires a change of mindset and attitude because most smallholder farmers
have taken farming as a tradition. Secondly, most smallholder farmers are old, unambitious, lack
entrepreneurial characteristics and are un-trainable. Youth are the complete opposite and their
involvement in agricultural production can bring tremendous shifts because youths are energetic,
knowledgeable, innovative, ambitious and trainable. However, unless the factors that affect their
involvement are known and eliminated, involvement of youths will still be low.

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1.4 Justification of the study
Malawi is agro based and therefore its growth is dependent on a vibrant production system. It is
in line with this ideology that the Malawi government advocates for transformation of the sector
from predominantly a consuming national to predominantly exporting country. Such efforts are
commendable, as they will enhance both the agricultural GDP as well as foreign exchange
earnings. However, the efforts have proved futile because most smallholder farmers perceive
farming as a tradition not a business, have less energy, not easy to train and lack innovativeness.
This study represents a shift in focus onto involvement of youth in agricultural production.
Youths are innovative, skillful, ambitious and energetic and would not engage in anything
unproductive. The outcome of this study would help the government and policy makers to
institute policies are measures that would ensure active participation of the youth in agricultural
production. It is anticipated that if more youths are involved, productivity and production would
improve and so would agricultural GDP and forex earnings.

1.5 Objectives
1.5.1 Main objective
The main objectives of the study is to determine the factors that affect the involvement of the
youths in agricultural production in Malawi

1.5.2 Specific objectives

i. To assess the level of involvement of the youth in agricultural production
ii. To identify social, cultural and economic factors that limit youths’
participation in agricultural production
iii. To identify interventions that would enhance youth involvement in
agricultural production

1.6 Research questions

i. What is the social and economic characteristics of the youths that are involved in agricultural
production
ii. What are the social, cultural and economic factors that limit youths participation in
agricultural production

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iii. What interventions can be put in place to ensure enhanced youth involvement in agricultural
production

1.7 Conclusion
Agricultural production is the backbone of Malawi’s economy and the major source of livelihood
for the majority. However, it is dominated by old people, who are weak, less educated, unambitious
and lack innovativeness hence associated with low productivity and production. Hence this study
was instituted to determine the factors that affect the involvement of the youths in agricultural
production in Malawi. Its specific objectives were to assess the level of involvement of the youth
in agricultural production, to identify social, cultural and economic factors that limit youths’
participation in agricultural production and to identify interventions that would enhance youth
involvement in agricultural production.

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Chapter 2 Literature review

An overview of youth participation in agricultural production

2.1 Introduction
The importance of agriculture to most African countries’ economies including Malawi’s has been
stressed enough. The sector is the largest with over 39% share to GDP, 80% share to export value
and employs over 65% of the productive labor force (Nyekanyeka, 2011). The sector is dualistic
largely (85%) comprising the smallholder, subsistence farmer, who produce for consumption, and
the estate, commercial farmer, who produce for the market (Kachule, 2013). Though the majority,
the smallholder farmer only contributes 30% to the export value. Sadly, the population of Malawi
is continually growing exponentially and is projected to double in 20 years (World Bank, 2020).
More food will need to be produced regardless of the limited land holding. The phenomenon
requires a shift in production, and it is anticipated that involvement of the youth, who are energetic,
ambitious, innovative and trainable can work magic. The aim of this review is to review the current
agricultural performance and conceptualize youth involvement and agricultural productivity and
production.

2.2 Agricultural productivity and production in Malawi

Malawi’ has very few mineral resources and therefore its economy is very much dependent on
agriculture. The agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) represents 39% of the national GDP.
The sector further employs more than 80% of the active labor force and about 80% of all exports.
The performance of Malawi’s economy has thus been highly driven by the agricultural sector
(Chirwa, 2008). The agricultural sector is dualistic and largely (85%) comprises the resource poor,
smallholder farmer, who produces for consumption and only sells the surplus, and the estate (15%),
who produce for the market. The smallholder farmers mainly produce maize, as the main staple,
whose availability or scarcity is used to define food security in Malawi. The sub-sector also
produces tobacco, groundnuts and soybean. The estate mainly produces cash crops such as
tobacco, sugarcane and tea for the export market. Thus, the estate accounts for 70% of the export
value against 30% by smallholder farmer (Mataya - FAO, 2021).

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The agricultural is currently being challenged to produce more to feed the exponentially growing
population, which is currently estimated at 18,000,000.00. Sadly, this comes at a time when
production is challenged by cross cutting issues of HIV/AIDS, climate change and income
insecurities. Consequently, both productivity and production have dwindled over the years
resulting in perennial food shortages and nutrition related illnesses and deaths. Agricultural
production needs to increase to service the growing demand. But this requires a shift from the
traditional way of production to market-oriented farming. This requires individuals with new
energies, innovativeness, and ambition and with entrepreneurial characteristics. Sadly, the farming
populating is aging and cannot initiate any significant change. It is for this reason that new blood
needs to be pumped into production (Akpan, 2010).

2.3 Conceptual framework

According to the study that was conducted by Kimaro et al. (2015), on determinants of rural
youth’s participation in agricultural activities: The case of Kahe East Ward in Moshi Rural district,
Tanzania, there are two sets of variables that have a bearing on youths’ involvement in agricultural
activities: The background variables and the actual determinants. The background variables
include age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, family background and family income.
The other determinants include perceptions, financial capacity, and agricultural knowledge, lack
of alternative jobs and availability of land.

2.3.1 Background variables

2.3.1.1 Financial capacity and family size
Socio-economic and demographic factors have a significant role in influencing one’s decision to
participate in an economic activity. Arenius and Minniti (2005) reported that individuals with
higher level of income enhance their probability to become entrepreneurs as the higher income
provides capital for starting up a business. Pindado and Sanchez (2017) reported the decision to
participate in an economic activity is a need to supplement formal income or gain an additional
source of money mainly in large households.

2.3.1.2 Age, gender and marital status

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According to Kimaro et al (2015) age, gender and marital status have a significant effect on one’s
decision to participate in an economic activity. Age manifests maturity and also affects one’s
perception. Similarly, marital status manifests maturity and has added dimension of responsibility
hence the need for more income. On gender, males have an advantage over females in terms of
access to capital and land.

2.3.2 Other determinants

2.3.2.1 Perception and family linkage
According to Magagula and Tsvakirai (2019), perception plays a critical role in influencing the
interests of youth in agricultural production. Generally, individuals decide to participate in an
entrepreneurial activity if it is perceived to be desirable and feasible than most alternatives. It has
further been found that family linkages also play a role in inciting interest in an individual to
participate in an entrepreneurial activity. It has been reported that individuals, whose parents were
entrepreneurs often become one because of the individual perception formed from observing the
parents (Arenius and Minniti, 2005). Linan, Santos and Fernandez (2011) however reported that
perceptions often take a central role in inciting interest when carrier guidance is limited.

2.3.2.2 Perception and education level

According to entrepreneurial cognitive approach, individuals with higher levels of education have
a better perception of things and hence are able to exploit opportunities for a profitable business
(Hormiga, Batista-Canino and Sanchez-Medina, 2011). Abdullah (2013) argue that high level of
academic knowledge leads to acquisition of greater skills. The research team further argues that if
the acquired knowledge is from previous entrepreneurial activity, it enhances the probability of an
individual to become an entrepreneur, and hence avoids costly mistakes giving them an advantage
to better exploit business opportunities. In addition, Abdullah and Sulaiman (2013) argue that
individual with high education tend to have better financial and problem-solving skills than their
counterparts.

2.3.2.3 Lack of alternative jobs

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According to Kimaro et al. (2015), the high rate of unemployment is one of the major reasons
youths participate in agricultural production. Such youths are more likely to participate through
selling of labor other than investing in their own farms due to lack of capital.

Determinants of youth
involvement in agriculture

• Perception
• Financial capacity
• Knowledge of agriculture
Increased agric. productivity
• Lack of alternative jobs
• Availability of land • Increased national and
Youth participation
per capital GDP
• Employee • Increased employment
• Employer • Improved socio-
Other variables
economic wellbeing
• Age
• Gender
• Marital status
• Occupation
• Family background
• Family income

Figure 2.3: Factors that affect youth involvement in economic activities

2.4 Significance of youth involvement in agriculture production

There are increasing challenges, demands and opportunities in agricultural value chain that require
farmers to be entrepreneurs (Sinyolo and Mudhara, 2018). Currently, agriculture production is
faced with challenges of market liberalization, climate change and degradation of soil resources
that require producers to develop new capabilities in order to maintain high productivity and
remain competitive on international market (Pindado and Sanchez, 2017). Thus farmers need to
develop entrepreneurial options such as innovativeness, product specialization, market orientation,
up-scaring production etc. (McElwee and Bosworth, 2010). Sadly the aging population that is
traditional and untrainable drives agricultural production, which requires physical strength. The
evolving production and business environment require full and active participation of the younger

9
generation with unique capabilities of dynamism, adventure and ambition. Involving the youth in
production brings in new energy and ways of doing business and a better way of coping with the
rapid technological change.

Youths have desirable qualities that potentially can stir agricultural improvement. Such qualities
can be utilized either by employing the youths into production or supporting them to set up their
own production units. With so much energy, zeal for success and ambition, youths’ involvement
can significantly transform the agricultural sectors from producing for consumption to producing
for the market. Such a transformation can bring an increase in productivity and production
resulting in increased domestic and international market supply, which increases per capita and
national GDP and export value. Consequently, more youths will be employed in agricultural value
chain resulting in improved socio-economic wellbeing.

2.5 Conclusion
There is low participation of youths in agricultural production due to socio-economic and
demographic factors. Some of these factors include but are not limited to lack of capital, poor
perception, lack of land etc.

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Chapter 3 Methodology

3.1 Introduction
There is need for scientific evidence to support the claim that there is low participation of youths
in agricultural production. The same evidence would also indicate the factors behind the low
participation of youth in agricultural production. This aim of this chapter is to provide descriptions
of the required data, how the data will be collected, analyzed and presented.

3.2 Materials and methods

3.2.1 Study area
The study was conducted at Malingunde Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Lilongwe, the
capital city of Malawi. Malingunde EPA is completely ruralized is situated South East of
Lilongwe. The area receives good rains and the hot-wet season runs from November- to March.
The area is dominated by the Chewa ethnic group and mostly relies on farming for their
livelihood. The choice of the area is purely administrative in view of the convenience of the
researcher, who resides in Lilongwe. The proximity of the study area helped to cut on cost and
time.

3.2.2 Research approach and design

The study was observational in form of a survey. Thus subjects were identified and interviewed
without prior deliberate administration of any treatment. No measurements were made in this study
so that the collected data was purely qualitative than quantitative. To support the primary data,
other data herein called secondary data were collected from agricultural extension services through
the extension planning area and literature review

3.2.3 Sampling frame and sample size

Malingunde EPA comprises 2 Traditional Authorities thus Masula and Masambankhunda and
has 3 Agricultural markets located at Malingunde, Sinyala and Phirilanjuzi. There is also
government owned market (ADMARC) at Sinyala, Dickson and Phirilanjuzi However, in view

11
of time and resources, the research cannot interview all the heads of the farming families or the
key informants. Instead, a sample was obtained using the following formulae:

(1− p ) p
2

n= z 2
e
Where
n = sample size
Z = tabulated z-value for a used confidence level
P = population size
E = desired error allowance (5%)
My population size was 300 .The desired error allowance for this study was 5% resulting in the
confidence level of 95%, which gave a tabulated z-value of 1.96.

3.2.4 Sampling design

The study employed a multi-stage sampling method. Purposive sampling technique was used to
identify the section and villages within Malingunde EPA from which to collect data. Purposive
sampling was also used to select individuals for the key informant interviews. Random sampling
technique was used to select subjects for the individual interviews.

3.2.5 Data collection method

The study was more qualitative than quantitative and therefore most of the data was collected using
a structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered through one on one interview.
Shortlists were used for interviews with key informants. Secondary data were collected from
Malingunde EPA and through desk reviews. Secondary data was collected to provide logical
support to the primary data.

3.2.6 Data analysis

The collected data was entered into a data entry template on Statistical Package for Social
Scientists (SPSS), which was also used to analyze the data and come up with statistical
summaries: frequencies and percentages. Excel spreadsheet was used to develop charts and

12
graphs to illustrate the findings. The involvement of youths in agricultural production will be
assessed based on the following linear model:

Yᵢ = β0 + β1X1ᵢ + β2X2ᵢ + β3X3ᵢ + ɛᵢ

Where:
Yᵢ = dependent variable (involvement of youths in agricultural production)
X1ᵢ, X2ᵢ, X3ᵢ = explanatory variables (the factors that affect youths involvement in agricultural
production
ɛᵢ = error term

To assess the level of involvement of the youth in agricultural production, data will be collected on
number of youths involved in agricultural production, their motive for production (consumption or
market) and the kind of enterprise they are involved in. The data will be entered and analyzed in
SPSS to generate percentages. Excel data sheet will be used to graphically illustrate the results and
to identify social, cultural and economic factors that limit youths’ participation in agricultural
production, and to identify interventions that would enhance youth involvement in agricultural
production, data will collected using a questionnaire and will be entered and analyzed using SPSS
to generate frequencies and percentages.

3.3 Conclusion
To address the research questions, data would have to be collected. This chapter has shown that a
survey will be conducted in Malingunde EPA to collect data using a questionnaire and following
the recommended research protocols. The collected data will be analyzed using SPSS and excel
spreadsheet.

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Chapter 4 Results and discussions

4.1 Introduction
Presented in this chapter are statistical summaries of data, whose collection and analytical methods
and tools were described in chapter 3. Following each result there is a paragraph that discusses the
results in terms of what the researcher got and what is contained in literature.

4.2 Results and discussion

4.2.1 Demographic data
Thirty people were involved in the study. The majority (60%) were aged between 31 and 35 while
26 – 30 and 36 – 40 age brackets shared the balance in half (20% each). Four respondents within
26 to 30 age bracket, about 13%, were single while two (about 7%) were married. Four
respondents within the 31 to 35 were single while 14 were married. The 36 – 40 years age bracket
had one respondent, who was single and five, who were married. Therefore, the majority (60%) of
the respondent was aged between 31 and 35 and was married (70%) (Table 4.1).

Table 4.1: Age of respondent versus marital status

Marital status
Single Married Total
Freq % Freq % Freq %
26 – 30 4 13 2 7 6 20
Age of
31 – 35 4 13 14 47 18 60
respondent
36 - 40 1 3 5 17 6 20
Total 9 30 21 70 30 100

The importance of demographic data in an observational study cannot be overemphasized. In this

study, the data exhibited the sanity, maturity and health perception of the respondents in order to
validate their responses (Salkind, 2010). The 30 respondents were aged above 18, the minimum
age of adulthood. Keeping other factors constant, the participants of the study were old enough to
make independent decisions and judgments. According to Sandberg (2016), low age increases the

14
possibility to leave a survey incomplete, while high age increases the interaction while handling
the survey.

4.2.2 Youth involvement in agriculture

All the thirty respondents resonated that there is low involvement of youths in agricultural
production. All respondents cited resource constraint, high financial requirement and the inability
to take risks as some of the key reasons there is low involvement of youths in agricultural
production. Seventy percent also cited lack of experience as another reason why youths shun
agriculture production. However, the respondents dismissed allegations that youths are not
involved in agricultural production because of childishness (100%) and laziness (90%) (Table
4.2)

Table 4.2: Factors that affect youth involvement in agriculture

Reason Strongly agree Strong disagree

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Youths are resource constrained 30 100 0 0
It’s too involving financially 30 100 0 0
Youths are lazy 3 10 27 90
Youth lack experience 21 70 9 30
Youths are childish 0 0 30 100
Youths are not risk takers 30 100 0 0

The low involvement of youth is an outcry not only in Malawi but in many other countries such
as Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria (Adekunje et al., 2009) just to mention a few. The
production aspect of the agricultural value chain is what suffers the most because it is financially
involving in terms of inputs such as seed, fertilizer and pest and disease control, as well as labor
(GPFI, 2022). Ironically, youths are resource constrained since most of them are often just coming
from school (Baskaran and Mehta, 2016). The synergy of the two factors is the major factor that
keeps off youths from participating in agricultural production.

15
It has also been observed in this study that most youths are not risk takers (Sharland, 2005).
Agricultural production in Malawi and most African countries is seasonal and relies on
precipitation as a source of water. Due to climate change, rainfall in the said areas is unpredictable
and unreliable in terms of onset, distribution and quantity, which affect seasonal water availability
and consequently affecting productivity and production. Fluctuation of temperature due to climate
change also affects outbreaks of pests and diseases, which if not managed, cause loss of
productivity and production of crops and livestock. The fluctuation of production affects seasonal
availability of produce, which affect prices. Thus prices of agricultural produce oscillate from
season to season affecting farming profit margin. On the contrary, youths are young and learning
and hence lack the experience to manage such risks. The combination of the foregone factors
culminates into production risks and uncertainty, which scare off most of the youths particularly
due to lack of agricultural insurance (Adekunle et al., 2009).

The responses of the respondents explicitly indicated that it would be wrong to call the youths
lazy. Otherwise, the youths are involved in several other economic activities that are too involving
physically than agricultural production even though their involvement is mostly through the sale
of labor other than owning the enterprise. Oxford dictionary defines lazy as unwilling to work or
use energy. While the definition is characterized by lack of effort or activity, involvement of youth
in agriculture does not imply laziness, as there are several social and economic factors that prevent
the youths from participating in agricultural production other than unwillingness or lack of care.

4.2.3 Why some youths practice agriculture production

The 30 respondents agreed that the minority of the youth are involved in agricultural production
because of lack of employment or because they found it profitable. There was a split amongst
respondents on having access to inputs as a motivation to production. Forty percent of the
respondents thought that the presence of inputs prompt some youths to produce while 40% thought
that was not true. Twenty percent of the respondents were neutral on the idea. All respondents
bashed the idea that some youths practice agricultural production as a habit or because they have
a huge responsibility (table 4.3)

Table 4.3: Reasons why other youths are involved in agricultural production

16
 Reason Strongly agree Strong disagree
Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Have huge responsibility 3 10 27 90
Lack of employment 30 100 0 0
Have access to inputs 12 40 12 40
Have found it profitable 30 100 0 0
Do as a habit 0 0 30 100

The presence of a proportion of youth in agricultural production, though small, is a clear testimony
that youths are not lazy neither are they childish but are rather impinged by other social or
economic factors. The truth is that 90% of the youth who reside in urban areas are learned and are
either involved in non-agricultural activities as their primary source of livelihood or are
unemployed (Adekunle et al., 2008). The 10% are involved in agricultural production but as a
secondary economic activity. It could be extrapolated that such youths have the material and
financial ability to invest in agricultural production from their primary source of livelihood. That
is why those that are out of job only participate in agricultural production through sale of labor.
Such youths are driven into agriculture production by unemployment or lack of alternative jobs,
which for youth is rated at 75% (NBS, 2010). The quota of the youths sale labor to fend for
themselves and their families while another quota save to raise capital for future own investment.
According to Akpan (2010) some youth get involved in agricultural production because of farming
family background. Thus family linkage plays a vital role in passing the tradition of farming. Such
youths find farming profitable and hence have a better perception of the activity.

4.2.4 Popular species and varieties youths produce

The 30 respondents indicated that youths mostly produce crops, particularly soybean and they
produce it for sale for income other than for consumption. All the respondents agreed that the
crops youth choose are easy to manage (with low input requirement), have a short growth cycle,
are easy to sell, or are produced out of preference than livestock (table 4.4). Thus the choice of the
species to produce is influenced mostly by its marketability and price.

Table 4.4: Popular species that are produced by the youths

17
 Reason Strongly agree Strong disagree
Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Easy to manage 30 100 0 0
Take less time to mature and sale 30 100 0 0
Easy market 30 100 0 0
Preference 30 100 0 0

One of the characteristics of the youths is ambitiousness (Baird et al., 2008). Thus youth
demonstrate a strong desire and determination to succeed, where success is measured in monitory
terms. The pursuit of any enterprise by the youth is thus motivated by success (Rai et al., 2021).
Failure, to perceive success makes youth shun an activity. This study identified almost a similar
trend in decision-making amongst the youth. Those that are involved in agriculture production
mostly produce soybean and groundnut. Even though the crops were identified as easy to produce,
take less time to mature and marketable, it is the market aspect that takes a center stage when
making the selection. Amongst smallholder farmers, the two crops fetch better prices and are
marketable both domestically and internationally, and feature amongst the top 5 export crops.

4.2.5 Other factors that prompt youths to engage in agricultural production

The 30 respondents unanimously disagreed that youths produce because they own land or because
land is available or because of availability of labor. Rather they all agreed that youths produce if
there is ready market that offers better prices (table 4.5)

Table 4.5: Other factors that prompt youths to engage in agricultural production

Reason Strongly agree Strong disagree

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Ownership of land 0 0 30 100

18
 Availability of land 0 0 30 100
Availability of labor 0 0 30 100
Availability of formal markets 30 100 0 0
Good prices for agricultural produce 30 100 0 0

Asked if land tenure system, marital status, educational level and gender affect youths involvement
in agricultural production, the 30 respondents disagreed that who owns the land or being single or
married or level of education or being male or female has anything to do with youths’ involvement
in agricultural production. However, all the respondents pointed out that lack of capital, fear of
crop failure, lack of ready market have a strong bearing on youths’ involvement in agricultural
production.

Agricultural production is an economic activity that requires seriousness. It requires a lot more
inputs than just land and labor, it requires passion and the desire to successfully produce. It is in
this vain that ownership or land either through land tenure system or gift would prompt one to
produce. Rather the availability of ready market that offers better prices for a particular commodity
would entice individuals to join farmers or entice existing farmers to produce more. Ready
domestic and international markets create demand, which in the balance with supply present a
price for a commodity.

4.2.6 Would provisions of the following enhance youth’s involvement in agriculture?

All the respondents (30) agreed that if land is made available to the youths, if the youths are
provided with loans in kind such as inputs; establishment of adequate market so that production is
demand driven; establish policies and gazette minimum farm gate prices as well as establishing
mechanisms for their enforcement (table 4.6)

Table 4.6: Provisions that would prompt youths to be involved in agricultural production

Reason Strongly agree Strong disagree

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
30 100
Provide land for free 0 0
30 100
Provide soft loans such as inputs 0 0

19
 30 100
Establish adequate formal markets 0 0
Establish policies on minimum farm 30 100 0 0
gate prices

The respondents further agreed that the government can initiate curriculum review of agricultural
subject to reflect the commercial aspect of farming; establish institutions that should support youth
programs with moral, material, financial and technical support; lower prices of inputs through
introduction of special targeted input subsidy programs for the youths; initiate introduction of
contract farming and involve more youths (table 4.7).

Table 4.7: Interventions to enhance youth involvement in agriculture

Reason Strongly agree Strong disagree

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
30 100
Curriculum review of agriculture 0 0
subject
30 100
Establish youth support programs 0 0
30 100
Introduce special subsidy programs 0 0
Introduce contract farming 30 100 0 0

Otherwise it was noted that some youths were once involved in agricultural production but quitted
because they found it to be too risky as it had a lot of uncertainty with rainfall and diseases. Some
youths quitted because they found agricultural production to be too involving financially but with
little pay-off. Twenty one respondents agreed that some youths quitted agricultural production
because of exploitation. Buyers dictated the price of the produce and were too low to recover the
cost of production, while eight respondents indicated that exploitation was not good enough reason
for one to quit since they were not forced to sale. Some youths quitted production because there
was no surety or insurance in case of crop failure.

Youth’s fulltime involvement in agricultural production is key to increased productivity and

production. Measures need to be put in place to sustainably increase youth participation. Long
time measures include those that stimulate and arouse youth’s interest or raise positive perception

20
in agriculture production. Such measures include review of agricultural curriculum so that it
focuses on the business aspect of production. Once individuals express interest, other measures
that enhance the ability to produce can follow. Such measures include but are not limited to
establishing youth support programs. In 1986, the federal government of Nigeria established the
National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to provide vocational training to the youth (Akpan,
2010). At Mpingu in Lilongwe, there is an organization called Centre for Concerned Youth in
Development, which currently has a program called Youth Economic Empowerment Program and
is supporting youth on soybean seed multiplication. Over 100 youths are benefitting from the
program.

Alternatively, the government could introduce subsidy programs that specifically target the youths.
Or the youths could be contracted to produce so that, apart from providing them with capital, they
are equally assured of ready market for their produce. The government could also coax
organizations or banks to offer soft loans to the youths for agricultural production. In 1989, two
banks; the People’s Bank and Community Banks were established in Nigeria to provide credit
facilities to low income earners with a special consideration for the youth embarking in agricultural
production (Akpan, 2010). The government could also ensure that minimum prices for agricultural
products are annually revised and gazetted, and measures of reinforcement of such price, such as
opening ADMARC depots on time, are instituted. A good price is an incentive for the farmers and
has the potential to tremendously increase production.

4.2.7 Perception of youths’ involvement in agriculture

The entire respondent had the perception that youths can go into agricultural production as a sole
business and still live a comfortable life; the involvement of youths can significantly improve and
increase agricultural production; the involvement of youth can speed of the transformation of
agricultural production from subsistence to commercial. However, the respondents were quick to
disagree that educated youths are not supposed to participate in agricultural production;
agricultural production is for the old and illiterate and not the young and educated; agricultural
production is for food production and not a source of income; agricultural production is a waste of
time (table 4.8).

21
Table 4.8: Perception of youths in agricultural production

Reason Strongly agree Strongly disagree

Freq. Percent Freq. Percent
30 100
Youths can do agriculture as a sole business 0 0
30 100
The involvement of youths in agriculture 0 0
production can significantly improve
production
30 100
The involvement of youths in agriculture can 0 0
transform agriculture production from
subsistence to commercial
30 100
Educated youths are not supposed to be 30 100
involved in agricultural production
30 100
Agricultural production is for the old and 0 0
illiterate
0 0 30 100
Agriculture is for food production and not a
source of income
0 0 30 100
Agriculture production is a waste of time

While there is a lot of misconceptions and myths about agriculture production, the truth remains
that the enterprise is an economic activity. Some truths face us in the eye yet we cannot see. Malawi
and many other African countries have economies that heavily rely on agriculture so much so that
any negative effect on the sector causes major shifts on inflation, forex values and prices of
commodities both agricultural and non-agricultural. Agriculture has also be the primary source of
livelihood for decades. Families have found food, clothing, shelter, school fees and many other
luxuries from agriculture. Youths, being energetic, ambitious and innovative can make a better
living out of agriculture even if practiced as a sole business. The sector can also capitalize on the
entrepreneurial characteristics of the youths to foster improvement in the sector graduating it from
primarily subsistence to entirely commercial production.

The idea that agricultural production is for the old and illiterate is baseless, lacks muscles and
creates conflict within itself. The old are weak and low energy while agricultural production on

22
the other hand is labor intensive. The old are low resource base and yet agriculture is capital
intensive. The old are traditional while agriculture is a science and involves a lot of calculations
and measurements and hence the illiterate also struggles to profitably handle it. Furthermore, the
illiterate do not calculate the profit and loss statements hence blindly produce without knowing
whether they are making profits or not. It is unfortunate that the agricultural sector, especially the
smallholder sub-sector is dominated by the old and illiterate who produce for consumption and not
for the market. Not surprising therefore that the smallholder sub-sector experiences low
productivity and production, which result in limited or stagnated growth and development.

4.3 Conclusion
The chapter presented the number and demographic distribution of respondents. From the
representative sample, the chapter estimated the number of youths that are involved in agricultural
production, why they are involved and the kind of enterprise they are involved in. Similarly, it
established the number of youths not involved in agriculture and the reasons behind their
skepticism.
.

23
Chapter 5 Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1 Introduction
The aim of the study was to determine the factors that affect the involvement of the youths in
agricultural production in Malawi. To achieve this, specific milestones were set. The first was
to assess the level of involvement of the youth in agricultural production and later to identify
social, cultural and economic factors that limit youths’ participation in agricultural production.
Finally, the study was to identify interventions that would enhance youth involvement in
agricultural production. This chapter presents the conclusions of the findings.

5.2 Conclusions
The study confirmed that there is very low involvement of youths in agricultural production.
Those that participate are either selling labor or produce for themselves. Most of the youths that
sale labor have no alternative source of livelihood. Those that engage in production are mostly
working and take farming as a secondary economic activity. Thus they mostly produce high
valued crops such as soybean, groundnuts and mostly for the market.

The low participation of youths in agricultural production is due to lack of start-up capital for
procurement of inputs and labor. Other economic factors include the lack of formal markets and
low prices for farm produce. Culturally, gender affects female youths to participate in agricultural
production. The land tenure system favors male child and male youths find capital easily than
female counterparts, and males are generally stronger.

There is potential to increase youths’ participation in agricultural production. The government

can stimulate youths’ interest in agricultural production by changing the agricultural syllabus so
that it focuses more on the business aspect. Other programs can also be established to boost
youths’ access to start-up capital such as provision of loans or contract farming or any program
of that nature.

5.3 Limitations of the study

24
This study was limited by time, material, financial and human resources. As a result, it was
conducted in a small area using a small workable sample. Malawi is a youthful nation with over
50% of her population (19,000,000) being youths.

5.4 Recommendations
The study realized and confirmed that there is a national policy on youths but little is known to
the intended beneficiaries. It is therefore recommended that deliberate effort is made to sensitize
the youths on the same. In view of the limitations stated in 5.3, it is recommended that the study
is repeated in more places and cover all the districts and cultural backgrounds in Malawi.

5.5 Areas for further study

In order to enhance youth participation in agriculture, it was suggested in section 4.2.6, table 4.7
that youth support programs are introduced. The researcher realizes that such support programs
have ever been instituted. One of the areas could be to understand why previous youth programs
did not make progress. Another area could be reviewing possible potential intervention so that
they tailored specifically for the youths.

25
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Appendix 1

Data collection sheet

Introductory remarks
Thank you for your time. My name is YOUR NAME and I am studying at Lilongwe University of
Agriculture and Natural Resources. Malawi is an agricultural based economy but is currently not doing too
well. Currently, there are efforts to identify the gaps and this study is one of many. This study focuses on
the involvement of the youth in agricultural production who constitute over half of the population. The aim
of the study is to identify and discuss factors that limit youth’s involvement in agricultural production.
During the discussion, I will be asking you questions that pertain to farming and the involvement of youths.
It is therefore important that you are as truthful as possible because the results and outcome of the study
will be used by a spectrum of professionals from politicians to social scientists, from service and goods
providers to donors. The information you give me will be treated with utmost confidentiality and shall be a
property of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and no other. Furthermore, no names, not even yours, will
be mentioned at any point in the report. I

Do you agree to take part in this study? Yes

1.0 Demographic characteristics

1.1 Name of respondent ……………………………………………………………………
1.2 Age of respondent (in years)
1. 18 – 20 2. 21 – 25 3. 26 – 30 4. 31 – 35 5. 36 - 40
1.3 Gender
1. Male 2. Female
1.4 Marital Status
1. Single 2. Married 3. Widowed 4. Divorced 5. Separated
1.5 Education level
1. None 2. Primary (can read and write) 3. Secondary 4. Tertiary

2.0 Youths participate in farming

2.1 Do you agree that there are few youths involved in agriculture
1. Yes 2. No
2.2 If yes, why do you think there are few youths involved in agriculture
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
agree disagree
Agriculture production is too
involving financially
Youth are lazy
Youth are resource constrained
Youth lack farming experience
Youth are childish
Youth are not risk takers

30
 2.3 But there are some youths who are involved in agricultural production: what
prompted them?
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
agree disagree
Have huge responsibility
Lack of employment
Have access to inputs
Have found farming profitable
Do out of habit than business

2.4 What do youths produce for?

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
agree disagree
For consumption
Sale for income
Leisure (social)

2.5 Which crops do youth popularly produce?

1. Maize 2. Soybean 3. Groundnuts 4. Tobacco 5. Other
………………………….

2.6 What factors influence the choice of crops to produce

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
agree disagree
Marketability (easy market and
good price)
Low labor requirement
Low input requirement

2.7 Which of the following can influence youth involvement in agricultural production
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
agree disagree
Ownership of land
Availability of land
Availability of labor
Availability of formal markets
Good prices for agri produce

2.8 Social factors that affect youth involvement in agricultural production

31
 Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
agree disagree
Land holding system affect
youth’s involvement in
agriculture production
Being single or married affect
youths involvement in
agricultural production
Youths are educated and
therefore not fit for agricultural
production
Youthful females are not suited
for agricultural production while
youthful males are suited

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly

agree disagree
They do not own land
They do not have adequate
money to invest
Agriculture is a risky investment
Marketing of agri produce is
hectic (low prices, no formal
markets, delayed payments
Youths are educated and think
farming is for the illiterate and
the poor

2.9 Can the availability of the following enhance youth involvement in agriculture?
Yes No
Provision of land for communal production
Provision of soft loans such as inputs
Establishment of formal markets
Establishment of policies on minimum farm gate prices

2.10 What can be done to increase youth involvement in agriculture

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
agree disagree
Do curriculum review of
agriculture subject to reflect the
commercial aspect of farming
Establish institutions that should
support youths involvement in
agri through grants and loans

32
 Establish best youth farmer
award of the year
Lower prices of inputs through
special subsidy programs for
youth
Introduce contract farming and
involve more youths

2.11 Most youths have been involved in agriculture but quitted why?
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
agree disagree
It was too risky: a lot of
uncertainty with rainfall, pest
and diseases
It was too involving financially
in terms of labor, inputs and
crop protection against diseases
Buyers set the price and not the
producers
There was no guarantee in case
of crop loss

2.12 Youths perception of agricultural production

Attitude statement Strongly Disagree Neither Agree Strongly
disagree agree agree
nor
disagree
Youths can go into farming as a sole
business and still live a comfortable life
Youth involvement in agriculture can
improve agricultural production
Youth involvement in agriculture can
transform agriculture from subsistence
to commercial farming
Educated youths are not supposed to be
involved in agriculture production
Agriculture is for the old, poor and
illiterate
Agriculture is only for food production
and not a source of income
Agriculture production is a waste of
time

33
THANK YOU

34