– Youth are becoming essential intermediaries in farming communities, driving the adoption of digital tools and technologies among older farmers.

– Engaging young people in agriculture is critical to future-proofing the sector, especially as farming populations age across the Global South.

– The continued transformation and sustainability of agriculture depend on re-engaging youth and making the sector attractive and viable for the next generation.

In an era where digital tools are becoming increasingly imperative in agriculture, youth are emerging as vital intermediaries within farming communities. These younger members are stepping up to translate technology for older farmers, which is crucial for driving adoption at the grassroots level.

“We believe youth is the main driving force behind any change, especially in agriculture… If we want technology to enter agriculture, we need to bring rural youth back into the sector,” stated Ashutosh Sharma, co-founder and CEO of Modern Village Futures (MVF), an Indian agtech initiative aimed at integrating technology into rural communities through smart village centres.

As global farming populations age, the role of the younger generation is pivotal in shaping the future of the sector. These youth provide a crucial link that helps farming communities embrace new technologies.

“The only way to future-proof the sector is to cultivate interest from the youth early on, so they see agriculture as a viable and sustainable profession. Otherwise, they will choose other careers,” emphasized JT Solis, CEO of Mayani, a Philippine agtech platform that connects smallholder farmers and fisherfolk with retailers and buyers.

The New Intermediaries

Both Sharma and Solis concur that meaningful transformation within agriculture hinges on re-engaging youth. “We need to make agriculture cooler,” said Sharma, noting that traditional agricultural education in India is often outdated and too theoretical to keep pace with rapid technological developments.

Through MVF, young individuals who might otherwise overlook farming as a career are trained to run rural tech innovation centres, which serve as hubs for delivering services to farmers. This model merges digital support with in-person assistance.

“Our focus is on providing youth with skills and exposure via short, impactful learning experiences that ignite interest. We aim to enable youth and train them beyond the confines of conventional university education,” Sharma added.

The trend mirrors in the Philippines, where the ageing farming population also requires rejuvenation. Solis pointed out that today’s youth have myriad channels for accessing information, education, and entertainment, an advantage over their predecessors.

“The youth are our digital translators – bridging the gap between modern practices and traditional techniques,” Solis explained. Within the cooperatives and farmers’ associations that Mayani collaborates with, older farmers rely heavily on younger counterparts to interpret how digital technologies can be effectively assimilated into existing agricultural practices.

“We depend on the youth’s higher digital literacy to introduce tech-based solutions. They bring fresh perspectives and an understanding of digital channels, enabling them to translate technology into practical applications for their communities,” Solis emphasized.

For further insights into agriculture in the Global South, check out our on-demand webinar Building buy-in from farmers and the wider supply chain here. Registration is free.