Post on 15-Dec-2015
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
Waithood & restricted futures:
using ICT to attract and retain youth to farming
in Western Kenya
Konrad Plechowski, MSc
‘Economic Development’ Sector Coordinator IICD
kplechowski@iicd.org
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
The importance of attracting youth into farming
“Growth of the agriculture sector in developing countries
is one of the most effective mechanisms to alleviate poverty.”
UN 2010“Feeding a global
population in 2050 will require a 70%
increase in global food production. This will
require that agriculture – particularly smallholder
agriculture – plays a much more effective
role.” IFAD 2011
“23% of the working poor are young people and the majority of these poor
youth live in rural areas.
Because of limited job prospects, many young people leave rural areas
to seek employment opportunities elsewhere.” ILO 2012
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
Smallholder farming – realities and associations
Poor farm practices
Low productivity Low income Intensive
labour
Lack of training
Gender inequalities Financial risks
Lack of access to the inputs,
services, credit and markets
Vulnerable to environmental and economic
shocks
Intense competition
from sophisticated multinationals
High transaction
costs
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
Potential of ICTs for activating young farmers
“With the right conditions smallholders can be at the forefront of a transformation in the world’s agriculture” UNEP 2013
Propensity for taking higher entrepreneurial
risks
Capacity to innovate
Affinity for using ICTs
Access to markets and information regarding market
price and demand
Access to extension information, geo-data (weather, soil), and
information regarding agricultural inputs
Access to finance and financial information
Management, administration and planning of the farmer
organizations
Youth ICTs
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
IICD’s Economic Development program in Kenya
A Youth’s ICT-enabled journey
into profitable farming
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTDvQT_Kenw&feature=youtu.be
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
IICD’s Economic Development program in Kenya
A Youth’s ICT-enabled journey
into profitable farming
A Youth’s ICT-enabled journey
beyond waithood and restricted futures
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
• Personal motivations
• Social structures
Social
context
• Strong urban demand
• Structural basis for farming-as-business
Economy
context
• Ability• Affordabilit
y• Capacity
ICT context
Beyond waithood and restricted futures in Kenya
Stronger social position internally and externally
Enhanced youth’s productivity
High quality
services of FOs
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
Personal motivations and drivers
Basic LiteracySelf-confidence
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
Stronger social position internally and externally
FamilyCommuni
ty
Private sector
Government’s Extension
Workers
Farmer Organization
s
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
ICT – IICD’s integrated capacity building
ICTs for enhancing productivity (multimedia, radio, mobiles, Interactive Voice Response)
ICTs for market price info(mobile & online platforms)
IICD, Farmer
Organizations,
Local: ICT
providers, ICT
advisors, Agricultural
experts
Coaching, guidance,
and training
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
Youth in IICD’s Economic Development program
Young Entrepreneurs and Digital Skills – Ghana
Promoting Agro-ecological farming – Peru
Integrating ICTs in vocational training – Kenya & Zambia
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
Q&A
Konrad Plechowski, MSc
‘Economic Development’ Sector Coordinator IICD
kplechowski@iicd.org
IICD | Konrad Plechowski | Symposium on Youth Research and Development | April 2014
Thank you.
Konrad Plechowski, MSc
‘Economic Development’ Sector Coordinator IICD
kplechowski@iicd.org