Attracting Youth towards Agriculture through Agripreneurship: Challenges and Extension Opportunities

Abstract

The combination of business with agriculture, known as agripreneurship, has become a popular means of encouraging young people to work in agriculture, enhancing rural lives and advancing sustainable food systems. Due to poor salaries, high risks, labor intensity and restricted access to land, financing, technology and training, many young people view agriculture as unappealing despite its crucial economic role. Concurrently, new possibilities for youth-led agricultural enterprises are being created by global trends including digitalization, climate-smart agriculture, rising demand for high-value foods and creative financing options. This article examines the chances and difficulties for young people to engage in agripreneurship, emphasizing structural, environmental and socioeconomic limitations. By bridging the gaps between research, technology and practice, it highlights the changing role of extension services in assisting young agripreneurs through business advising, digital training, mentorship and market connections. In order to maintain youth-led businesses, the research also looks at policy, finance and ecosystem assistance, such as youth-friendly land laws, blended finance systems, incubators, accelerators and market infrastructure. Agriculture may become a viable, successful and contemporary job for young people if barriers like land availability, startup funding, skills, market connectedness and risk management are addressed. In addition to producing revenue, agribusiness improves rural communities, boosts value chains, decreases urban migration and encourages innovation. This underscores the necessity of youth-focused, regionally specific approaches to unlock a new era of rural wealth.