Johannesburg – The Land Bank is stressing the importance of renewed efforts to remove the barriers preventing young South Africans from participating effectively in agriculture.
As the nation observes Youth Month, the Land Bank reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Agriculture is one of the country’s most vital yet underutilized sectors for job creation, entrepreneurial opportunities, and sustainable economic growth.
However, the Land Bank notes a concerning drop in the number of young people entering the farming industry, critical for ensuring future food production and rural development.
This trend persists in the face of persistently high youth unemployment rates and limited access to sustainable job opportunities in South Africa.
Youth unemployment is a major socioeconomic issue, with the official unemployment rate for individuals aged 15-34 exceeding 45%.
Among the youngest individuals (aged 15-24), the alarming unemployment rate nears 61%.
During Youth Month, the Land Bank promotes a renewed emphasis on removing obstacles that prevent meaningful engagement of young South Africans in agriculture and reaffirms its commitment to empowering future agricultural leaders.
Acting CEO of Land Bank, Jabu Mphambo, emphasizes that the sector’s success hinges on the energy, creativity, and aspirations of its youth.
“Youth involvement is crucial for the future of South African agriculture. Young individuals bring fresh ideas, technological expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit—traits that are essential for developing a modern, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector,” says Mphambo.
“As a development finance institution, it is our responsibility to ensure that this sector remains open, accessible, and well-equipped with the necessary financial and developmental resources.”
Recognizing the Challenges
For many young individuals, the path into agriculture is obstructed right from the start.
Accessibility to land is one of the primary barriers.
Without secure and productive land, aspiring young farmers find it nearly impossible to launch or expand successful operations, no matter their enthusiasm or potential.
Mphambo points out that access to financing poses another significant challenge.
Starting or growing an agricultural enterprise requires capital for inputs, equipment, infrastructure, and technology—resources that many young entrepreneurs do not have.
Traditional lending practices often exclude youth lacking collateral, credit histories, or inherited assets.
Moreover, gaps in skill development and mentorship further limit youth participation.
Many young South Africans receive little exposure to agriculture as a viable career, lack hands-on training, or miss out on the guidance of experienced mentors in the complexities of agricultural entrepreneurship.
“Adding to these challenges are outdated perceptions of agriculture as labor-intensive and low-growth,” Mphambo comments.
“In reality, modern agriculture incorporates technology, logistics, finance, sustainability, research, processing, and agribusiness—providing a wide array of vibrant career paths beyond traditional farming.”
A Success Story of Youth Empowerment
To illustrate the potential of proper support, Mphambo shares the story of Motlalepule Vincent Masiu, a young individual who has successfully established himself in agriculture.
His journey highlights the obstacles young farmers face and the transformative benefits of mentorship, financial discipline, and developmental support.
The Land Bank-supported farmer states: “If I could advise my younger self before starting my farming journey, I would encourage him to find two mentors: one for agriculture and another for life.
“One crucial lesson I’ve learned is that farming is more than just producing crops or livestock; it fundamentally revolves around business management.
“Cash flow is more crucial than net worth, as having assets alone won’t sustain operations… Focus on developing the farm while also growing as an individual.”
His experience highlights the need for holistic support—financial, technical, and personal—for cultivating successful young farmers.
The Land Bank’s Role in Supporting Youth Involvement
The Land Bank is actively enhancing its developmental efforts by expanding access to finance, supporting emerging farmers, and investing in youth-centric initiatives.
Through blended finance solutions, tailored funding tools, and collaborations throughout the agricultural value chain, the Bank aims to empower youth to enter and thrive in this sector.
A key initiative is the Farmers Academy, which provides young and emerging farmers with practical training, mentorship, business management skills, and insights into modern agricultural practices.
These programs strive to bridge knowledge gaps, boost confidence, and create pathways into agriculture for youth who may lack farming backgrounds.
“Supporting youth in agriculture requires a complete ecosystem that encompasses access to land, education, mentorship, markets, and technology,” Mphambo stresses.
“The Land Bank is committed to working with the government, industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and the private sector to build this supportive environment.
“Involving youth in agriculture is a shared responsibility, and only through collaboration can we achieve meaningful, lasting progress.”
Encouraging youth participation in agriculture is not only an economic necessity but also a national imperative.
With the right support, young South Africans can emerge as farmers, agripreneurs, researchers, technologists, and innovators shaping the future of the sector.
The Land Bank remains resolute in its commitment to empowering the next generation through accessible finance, developmental programs, strategic alliances, and initiatives that nurture both enterprises and the individuals behind them.
