The President, Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations (FACA), Dr. Victor Iyama has identified cumbersome process of accessing land, funding anduse of crude implements as factors inhibiting youths embracing agriculture.
Iyamalamented that youths’ participation in agriculture has been constrained by limited access to land and finance.
Speaking in Lagos, he noted that young farmers have expressed frustration with not being able to afford land, adding that it is the most pressing challenge for young people interested in agriculture.
He added that it was difficult for young farmers to have long-term access to farm land that is affordable and near their homes.
According to him, the government programme on food security is threatened by ageing farmers and the unattractive income from farming.
He said the time has come for government to implement appropriate and timely interventions to make agriculture attractive enough for young people to pursue as a career and a profession.
Iyama said getting more youths to be involved in farming will help reduce unemployment but required development of positive attitude towards agriculture.