FARM SUCCESSOR FOSTERING POLICY: A KEY TO A FOOD

AND ECONOMIC SECURE FUTURE

I. Introduction

Agricultural sector plays a strategic role in the process of economic development of a

country. It has already made a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of
advanced countries and its role in the economic development of less developed
countries is of vital importance.

Agriculture makes its contribution to economic development. As a matter of fact, if

the process of economic development is to be initiated and made self-sustaining, it
must begin with agricultural sector. The agriculture sector is the backbone of an
economy which provides the basic ingredients to mankind and now raw material for
industrialization.

Agriculture is the basic source of food supply of all the countries of the world—
whether underdeveloped, developing or even developed. Due to heavy pressure of
population in underdeveloped and developing countries and its rapid increase, the
demand for food is increasing at a fast rate.

If agriculture fails to meet the rising demand of food products, it is found to affect
adversely the growth rate of the economy. Raising supply of food by agricultural sector
has, therefore, great importance for economic growth of our country.

Agricultural advancement is necessary for improving the supply of raw materials for
the agro-based industries especially in our developing country. The shortage of
agricultural goods has its impact upon industrial production and a consequent
increase in the general price level. It will impede the growth of the country’s economy.

The progress in agricultural sector provides surplus for increasing the exports of
agricultural products. In the earlier stages of development, an increase in the exports

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 earning is more desirable because of the greater strains on the foreign exchange
situation needed for the financing of imports of basic and essential capital goods.

In a country which is predominantly agricultural and overpopulated, there is greater

inequality of income between the rural and urban areas of the country. To reduce this
inequality of income, it is necessary to accord higher priority to agriculture.

The prosperity of agriculture would raise the income of the majority of the rural
population and thus the disparity in income may be reduced to a certain extent.

II. Rationale

Agriculture is a big part of the solution to youth unemployment around the world, but
in many places it has an image problem: young people do not think of it as an
attractive source of jobs.

Making agriculture a more viable and attractive source of tomorrow’s jobs is critical to
young people’s prosperity around the world, particularly in rural areas and countries
with largely agrarian economies like the Philippines. But, historically, this has proven
challenging due to a number of constraints, some real, some perceived.

Real constraints limit agricultural opportunities for youth in many parts of the world.
These include the usual suspects, such as lack of educational opportunities in modern
farming (e.g., pest and drought management), market information for planning
purposes, and critical resources like land and financing. In many societies, young
women are at a particular disadvantage due to inheritance norms and male-dominated
business mentalities.

Perceptions can also be a barrier to connecting youth with good agricultural jobs, even
where there are real opportunities. Often, youth in rural areas do not see agriculture’s
potential because they have grown up in smallholder farming communities that
struggled against unfavorable market and environmental factors, capturing precious
little profit for hard physical toil. As a result, they avoid working in agriculture.

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 Today's young generation wants a modern and stylish life which is found in cities only,
they want to do cooler jobs and they move to cities. Farm work is the exact opposite of
that. With the advancements that technology has brought, it has conditioned the
young generation of the fast, easy and comfortable life. Young people prefer to look for
easier jobs than agriculture. They also prefer jobs that give them fast earnings.

III. Statement of the Problem

This study focuses on ensuring the continuing engagement in agriculture of the young
generation for a food secure future. It seeks to answer the following questions:
1. With the aging of the agricultural workforce, how can communities involve the
younger generations in agriculture?
2. What can the government do to ensure the sustainability of its agricultural
endeavors?

IV. Goal

The goal of this study is to formulate a policy addressing the pressing need of the
agricultural sector to encourage the youth to engage in agricultural activities.

V. Objectives of the Study

This study aims to address the following:

1. Identify and eliminate what holds the youth from engaging in agriculture.
2. Craft a plan on how the government may support the youth in engaging into
agriculture.

VI. SWOT Analysis

Strengths Availability of an Agricultural Training Institute under the

Department of Agriculture.
Availability of Qualified Trainers
Availability of Agricultural Research Institutes

Weaknesses Inadequate facilities and technology

Weak coordination on involving youth in agriculture
Inadequate government support

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 Opportunities Availability of Farm Areas
Significant number of unemployed youth
The growing population
Threats Economic Factors: limited funds
Climatic change factors

VII. Policy Adoption

The initial plan for the implementation of this policy will be first consulted to the
Regional Office of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of
Agriculture and will be presented to all its delivering arms such as agricultural
learning sites, schools for practical agriculture and extension service providers.

Once favorable results are achieved, it will be presented to the Central office of the
ATI for deliberation and proper adoption.

VIII. Policy Implementation

Activity Unit(s) Responsible Time Frame Expected Output(s)

Inclusion of Agri- Agricultural Training Basic education years  Generate
Science in Early Institute in (9 years) awareness among
Education coordination with the youth of possible
Department of career choices
Education within the
agricultural sector
 Spur interest
through hands-on
education,
 Equip youth with
basic skills and
understanding of
agriculture and
agricultural
practices

Strengthen higher Agricultural Training Tertiary Education Taught materials are

education in Institute (4 years) linked to advances in
agriculture technology, facilitate
Post Graduate Studies innovation and have
(additional 3-4 years) greater relevance to a
diverse and evolving
agricultural sector,

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 with a focus on
agribusiness and
entrepreneurship.

Facilitate access to Food and Agriculture One year Soft loans provided to
land and credit Organization youth who come up
with innovative
proposals in
agriculture or agri-
preneurship
Rebrand the All stakeholders One year Agriculture will be
agricultural sector presented as a
promising
opportunity.
Form cooperatives of Agriculture Office One year  Networks are
farmers – both formed
seasoned and young  Relevant
experiences on
farming are shared
 Technology and
innovations are
shared

IX. Policy Evaluation

Policy evaluation shall be administered by the Agricultural Training Institute, the

agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Agriculture responsible
for training agricultural extension workers and their clientele; conducting multi-level
training programs to promote and accelerate rural development; and ensuring that
research results are communicated to the farmers through appropriate training and
extension activities.

Further, all persons and agencies affected by the implementation of the policy are
expected to give relevant information for the enhancement of the policy.

X. References

1. http://agriculturegoods.com/the-importance-of-agriculture/
2. https://www.agup.com/news/blog/main-blog/2017/07/06/why-agriculture-is-
important

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3. http://imotforum.com/2018/01/youth-not-attracted-towards-agriculture/
4. https://ypard.net/news/9-ways-engage-youth-agriculture
5. https://innovate.cired.vt.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Youth-
Engagement-Thematic-Brief_FINAL.pdf

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