How Can we Inspire the Next Generation of Farmers?

December 16, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Years of declining investment in farmer education and extension services - as well under-investment in agriculture per se – is now affecting our ability to source quality raw materials in the quantities required to produce enough food for an increasing global population.

In many countries, farming is unattractive to young people. Few take it up as a profession. Those who do, usually do so by default and not by choice. Most young people leave the countryside and search for employment opportunities in cities.

How can we reverse these trends? 

Join the live chat on 17 Dec at 10am EST / 3pm GMT with:

• Hans Joehr, Head of Corporate Agriculture, Nestlé

• Manfred Borer, Program Director, Sustainable Cocoa Production Program (SCPP), Swisscontact

• Luis Cateura, Program Manager, Self-Sufficent Schools, Fundación Paraguaya

We’d like to know what you think: http://snipbfp.org/1d6YCjD

1) How can we ensure that small-scale farming offers an appealing level of income as well as social recognition? Do you know of any existing innovative models that aim to achieve this?

2) What should be the role of governments, business, development agencies and other stakeholders in addressing these challenges? How can these different groups be incentivized to contribute?

3) How can we make agriculture more attractive to young people? Where should investment in agricultural training and education be focused?

Post your comments and questions here: http://snipbfp.org/1d6YCjD

Live session starts on 17 Dec at 10am EST / 3pm GMT.