Mauritius Case Study

Nawsheen Hosenally

National Agricultural Youth Policy Dialogue

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius

Reduit

12th 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

Country Background

2045 km2 Population: 1,3

million

Economy based on different sectors AgricultureTextileFinancialTourism ICTs

Youth Demographics

• “Youth” is defined as a person between 14 and 29 years of age

• Youth population between 15-29 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

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 Demographics

• Youth in Agriculture

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

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

• “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”

Youth Perceptions

• Policy documents analysed:• National Youth Policy 2010-2014• Non-Sugar Sector Strategic plan 2003-2007• Strategic Options – Crop & Livestock 2007-2015• Blueprint for a sustainable Diversified Agri-food

Strategy for Mauritius 2008-2015• Food Security Fund Committee Strategic Plan 2008-

2011• Multi-Annual Adaptation Strategy 2006-2015

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

Agriculture and youth Policies

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?

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)

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

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