Factors Influencing Youth Participation in Agriculture in Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Youth unemployment remains a persistent challenge in developing countries, particularly in Southern Africa. Agriculture presents a viable pathway for poverty alleviation and job creation among rural youth. However, the level of youth engagement in agriculture remains low in many developing countries. This study aims to explore the factors influencing youth participation in agriculture in the Thulamela Local Municipality in Limpopo, South Africa. A qualitative research design was employed, and a snowball sampling method was used to select 16 youth participants from the study area. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that family influence, personal interest, access to technology, and agricultural education significantly affect youth involvement in agriculture. Conversely, barriers such as limited technical support, financial constraints, and the impacts of climate change hinder participation. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers provide financial support mechanisms, such as startup grants, to enable young farmers to invest in essential resources, including machinery and other agricultural inputs. Furthermore, access to mentorship programmes and practical, hands-on agricultural training should be expanded to reach more young people.