Rising Interest in Agriculture Among Young South Africans as a Career Path

Cape Town – Young people in South Africa are increasingly choosing agriculture as a career, not just out of necessity, but as a promising avenue for earning a good living while significantly contributing to the country’s food production value chain.

In contrast to earlier generations, who often regarded farming as a last resort, today’s youth are embracing agriculture as a viable profession, acquiring the essential knowledge, skills, and networks for success.

This shift is playing a crucial role in transforming the agricultural sector and bolstering South Africa’s economy.

Young South Africans are enrolling in agricultural programs across universities and educational institutions, participating in expos, and engaging in forums for knowledge exchange.

Their involvement signifies a dedicated choice to pursue farming, as opposed to viewing it as a fallback option.

This new generation of farmers is serious about their agricultural careers, recognizing it as a profession rather than merely a pastime.

They are actively seeking funding opportunities while committing to personal development and expertise in creating sustainable businesses.

Although it’s challenging to ascertain the precise number of young farmers joining South Africa’s agricultural sector annually, indications point to a growing interest among the youth in the industry.

For example, initiatives like the Agricultural Youth Fund support youth-led farming ventures, and organizations such as Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) promote youthful participation and provide networking opportunities.

With the average age of farmers in South Africa around 57, increased youth involvement is crucial for the sector’s future sustainability.

According to the Agricultural Economic Summary from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, early 2025 witnessed a notable expansion in agricultural employment, showcasing a quarter-on-quarter increase of 27% (51,282 jobs) and a year-on-year rise of 13% (28,994 jobs).

This upward trajectory was primarily driven by a 34% growth in crop farming employment, alongside a slight 1% increase in animal farming.

Agriculture remains a pivotal engine in South Africa’s economy, with agricultural exports experiencing a 10% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2025, reaching $3.36 billion.

This growth was mainly propelled by higher exports of grapes, maize, apples, and wine. Additionally, agriculture contributed 0.1% to the GDP growth of South Africa in the first quarter, playing a significant role in averting a recession.

The resilience of this sector underscores its importance in maintaining national economic stability.

However, despite the rising enthusiasm among youth for farming in recent years, it remains challenging for aspiring young farmers to enter the sector.

Obstacles such as land ownership issues, high input costs, and limited access to financing persist.

Other barriers hindering youth participation in agriculture include restricted market access, low profit margins, high mechanization expenses, and inadequate farming knowledge and technical skills.

Improving land accessibility, providing financial assistance, and disseminating relevant information are vital measures to facilitate youth involvement in agriculture.

The Land Bank’s Blended Financial Scheme (BFS) and its supportive pre- and post-finance services can have a substantial impact in this regard.

Developed in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, the BFS aims to commercialize developmental farmers and promote meaningful participation from black producers and predominantly black-owned enterprises within the agricultural value chains of South Africa.

The BFS combines grants and loans to create relatively affordable financing, supporting producers engaged in agricultural value chains and aggregation activities.

It strives to assist farming projects in achieving sustainability and growth, prioritizing those that deliver a significant developmental impact.

Younger, dedicated farmers with commercially viable agricultural initiatives now have access to affordable financing through this blended finance scheme.

The BFS is set to unlock the potential of young agripreneurs, heralding a new era of agriculture characterized by knowledge, innovation, and sustainability.

This emerging generation of farmers is not just filling existing gaps; they are actively shaping the future of food production, export markets, and rural development.

Their commitment ensures that agriculture remains a cornerstone of economic growth instead of a last-resort sector.

Thanks to the initiatives being taken by the youth, South Africa’s agricultural future is bright.

Their proactive approach to farming, coupled with effective financial support and a strong export market, is laying the groundwork for a thriving industry.

As they continue to invest in their skills and enterprises, the nation stands to benefit from a robust and sustainable agricultural sector.

*The author of this article is Sydney Soundy, the Chief Strategy Officer at Land Bank