As South Africa marks Youth Month, Land Bank is calling for renewed focus on removing the barriers that prevent young people from participating meaningfully in agriculture.
While agriculture remains one of the country’s most important sectors for food production, entrepreneurship and rural development, youth participation remains lower than required to secure the future of the industry. This comes as youth unemployment continues to pose a significant challenge, with the unemployment rate for South Africans aged 15 to 34 sitting above 45%, while approximately 61% of those aged 15 to 24 are unemployed.
Land Bank Acting CEO Jabu Mphambo says young people are critical to the future success of South African agriculture.
“Youth participation is essential to the future of South African agriculture. Young people bring new ideas, technological fluency and entrepreneurial drive – qualities that are critical for building a modern, competitive and sustainable agricultural sector,” he says.
Key Challenges Facing Young Farmers
According to Mphambo, access to land remains one of the biggest obstacles for aspiring young farmers. Without secure access to productive land, many struggle to establish or expand viable farming enterprises.
Access to finance is another major challenge. Starting and growing an agricultural business requires capital for inputs, equipment, infrastructure and technology, yet many young entrepreneurs lack the collateral, credit history or assets required by traditional financing models.
Skills development and mentorship also continue to limit youth participation. Many young South Africans have limited exposure to agriculture as a career and lack access to practical training opportunities or experienced mentors.
Mphambo says agriculture is often wrongly perceived as a labour-intensive, low-growth sector. In reality, modern agriculture offers opportunities across technology, logistics, finance, sustainability, research, processing and agribusiness.
A Young Farmer’s Success Story
Land Bank-funded farmer Motlalepule Vincent Masiu is highlighted as an example of what can be achieved when young people receive the right support.
Reflecting on his journey, Masiu says he would advise his younger self to find two mentors – one for farming and one for life. He also emphasises the importance of understanding that farming is a business and that sound financial management is essential for long-term success.
His experience demonstrates the value of combining financial support, mentorship and skills development.
Supporting the Next Generation
Land Bank continues to strengthen its developmental mandate through initiatives aimed at supporting emerging and young farmers.
A key programme is the Farmers Academy, which provides practical training, mentorship, business management skills and exposure to modern agricultural practices. The programme helps bridge knowledge gaps and creates pathways into agriculture for young people.
The Bank is also expanding access to finance through blended finance solutions, tailored funding instruments and partnerships across the agricultural value chain.
Mphambo says meaningful youth participation requires access to land, finance, training, mentorship, markets and technology. He adds that collaboration between government, industry, educational institutions and the private sector is essential to creating an environment where young people can succeed.
As South Africa reflects on Youth Month, Land Bank maintains that empowering young people in agriculture is both an economic necessity and a national priority. With the right support, young South Africans can help shape the future of the sector.