Enhancing Youth Engagement in Agriculture for a Sustainable Future in Ethiopia: Challenges and Policy Solutions in Focus

Enhancing Youth Engagement in Agriculture for a Sustainable Future in Ethiopia: Challenges and Policy Solutions in Focus | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Enhancing Youth Engagement in Agriculture for a Sustainable Future in Ethiopia: Challenges and Policy Solutions in Focus Dagnachew Terefe This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6107661/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract To foster sustainable socioeconomic development, youth participation in the agricultural sector is instrumental. Due to this fact, a significant number of developing countries are investing substantial resources to enhance the sector by actively engaging their young populations. Employing a qualitative approach and a phenomenological study design, this study primarily aims to understand the challenges and prospects for youth in rural Ethiopia, specifically in the north-western Oromia region, to engage in agriculture. The study involved a total of 25 interviewees from different age groups who were engaged in the agricultural sector, as well as eight key informants who work as experts in agricultural offices. The results of this study confirmed that the youth in the study area were involved in agriculture due to their proximity and easy access to marketplaces, as well as the favourable environmental conditions. In relation to the challenges depicted in this study, young people in rural areas have faced various obstacles when initiating their farming operations, especially prior to gaining access to markets. These obstacles encompass difficulties in acquiring land, agricultural inputs, and banking services. Despite the existence of a considerable untapped reservoir of employment opportunities in the agro-food sector, the lack of attention from the government and inadequate agricultural rewards contribute to the youth's reluctance to remain engaged in the sector. Consequently, it is imperative for government officials and responsible personnel to prioritize the development of a sustainable future in the country. Sustainability Agriculture youth’s Agricultural challenges Land accessibility 1. Introduction Agriculture can be traced back to 10,000 BC, estimating the emergence of the first farmer who engaged in the domestication of animals and plants. Throughout the years, agriculture has evolved alongside societal changes (Hansen et al., 2015 ). Initially, people relied on hunting and gathering as a means of obtaining food, as there were no farmers. However, as the population grew, so did the number of farmers. Various theories, such as Resilience ( 2022 ), Udemezue ( 2018 ), and Sitawa (2016), explain the origin of agriculture. The shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture is primarily attributed to the increasing population. Multiple proponents offer explanations for the origin of agriculture, with the common understanding being that the growth in population made the continuation of hunting and gathering unsustainable (Hansen et al., 2015 ). The definition of youth perhaps changes with circumstances, especially with the changes in demographic, financial, economic, and socio-cultural settings; thus, the definition that uses the 15–24 age cohort as youth fairly serves its statistical purposes for assessing the needs of the young people and providing guidelines for youth development (United Nations, 2022). The youth, aged 15 to 24, make up more than one billion of the total global population. The majority of them are in the developing world (85%). There is a significant dependence on youth labour in agriculture for food security and production at the global, regional, and local levels (Proctor & Lucchese, 2012). It is anticipated that the youth will play an increasingly significant role in agricultural activities to enhance global food production and achieve food security (Njeru, 2017 ). Similarly, youth labor is required to enhance the income that rural farmers receive from agriculture and also to enhance economic development in rural communities. Youth are characterized by great physical strength, a risk-taking attitude, openness to change, and creativity, which are critical in advancing new technology in agriculture (United Nations, 2018 ). Young men and women participate in the agro-food system through various means, including formal and informal wage work, unpaid family labor, self-employment, and cooperative membership. Their involvement spans across all levels of the value chain (Njeru, 2017 ). In general, youth earn "mixed livelihoods" from diverse sources, including on-farm, off-farm, and non-farm activities, with self-employment and migration playing significant roles. Although there is some evidence of youth being uninterested in agriculture and leaving the sector, the absolute number of youth dependent on farming or livestock production is likely to increase due to population growth (United Nations, 2018 ). Youth exhibit a preference for modern agricultural practices, the use of technology, and opportunities for quick returns compared to staple crops. Their decisions to engage in agricultural work are also influenced by their environment, including the economic and political context, social norms, the nature of the agro-food system, institutions, laws, regulations, parental and peer influence, media, previous experiences, and gender relations (Thomson, 2018 ). In Africa, young people make up a substantial and increasing proportion of the population, with 70 percent falling within the age bracket of 30 years or below (George et al., 2018). However, there is evidence suggesting that many young individuals are not inclined towards pursuing careers in agriculture. This lack of interest can potentially hinder the national and international goals of achieving economic growth through agricultural investments. Furthermore, the aging farming population is a growing concern, as more young people are reportedly choosing not to engage in the agricultural sector as farmers (Balmford et al., 2018 ). Given that agriculture is one of the continent's largest economic sectors, supporting broad economic development and providing food for a significant portion of the population, this trend poses a serious threat to the future of farming and meeting the demands of a rapidly growing urban population. The combination of increasing youth unemployment, aging farmers, and declining crop yields under traditional farming systems necessitates prioritizing youth engagement in agriculture (Ripoll et al., 2017 ). In the case of Ethiopia, over 45 percent of the population is under the age of 15, and 71 percent is under the age of 30 (Central Statistical Agency, 2014). The majority of Ethiopian youth reside in rural areas where agriculture has traditionally been the primary livelihood. As the state owns all land in Ethiopia, rural residents have been granted access to land through a law that entitles them to acquire agricultural land for free (Bezu & Holden, 2014 ). However, fulfilling this right has become increasingly challenging for the younger generation. Conversely, a significant number of elderly individuals possess large landholdings, limiting the opportunities for youth to engage in agricultural activities and compelling them to seek alternative employment options (Shikur, 2020 ). Parts of the Ethiopian highlands are currently facing severe land scarcity, with high population densities and diminishing farm sizes. Consequently, the safety net provided by land is eroding, leading to landlessness among youth who are unable to retain their parents' land (Sosina & Holden, 2014). Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to comprehend the challenges and prospects for youth engagement in agriculture in rural Ethiopia, with a specific focus on Gerar Kebele of Berek Woreda in the North Showa Zone of Oromia National Regional State. Additionally, the study explores youths' perceptions of agriculture and their socio-economic conditions. 1.1. Study’s Objectives This study aimed to explore the following specific objectives: (a) understanding the reasons that motivate youths to engage in the agricultural sector; (b) identifying the challenges encountered by youths involved in the sector; and finally, (c) investigating the current socio-economic conditions, specifically income and education, of youths engaged in agriculture. 2. Methods 2.1. Description of the study area Berek woreda is found in the Semen Showa zone of Oromia's national regional state, which is around 38 km from the capital city of Addis Ababa. Which is located at 90 50’ N − 100 15’ Latitude and 44° 8' − 57’ East Longitude, and an altitude of 2200 m − 3228 m above sea level. The woreda is bordered by Geda Woreda in the north, Aleletu Woreda in the south, and Sululeta Woreda in the west. The woreda exhibits a maximum temperature of 250°C, an average temperature of 160°C, and a minimum temperature of 70°C. The woreda also has a rainfall of 1250mm, 970mm, and 700mm high, medium, and minimum, respectively. Most of W oreda’s topography (60%) is located under the sub-tropical temperature zone, and 40% of the landform is located under the tropical zone (Berek Woreda Agricultural Office Report 2020). The total population of the woreda is 77,803, of which 39318 are male and 38485 are female. Among these, 13259 are engaged in the agricultural sector. In line with this, in 1991, the total population engaged in agriculture was composed of youths. When we see the livelihood of the population in the woreda, the majority (90%) of them earn their living from farming (mixed farming). The main cereal crops produced in the woreda are wheat, teff, beans, and barley. The woreda have a cattle population of 95236, of which 29537 are cows, 37550 are oxen, 18466 are calves, and 9683 are bulls. In addition to these, the woreda also has 84139 sheep, 4550 goats, 15187 horses, 165 mules, 22428 donkeys, and 84589 chickens (Berek Woreda Agricultural Office Report 2020). The woreda is divided into 22 rural kebele administrations. For better understanding, kebele is a term used in Ethiopia to refer to the smallest administrative unit within a district or municipality. It is similar to a neighborhood or village and is typically responsible for local governance, community development, and the provision of basic services to residents. Each kebele is led by an elected committee and serves as a local level of government. We selected and worked on one rural kebele administration, which is named Gerar kebele. The total population of this specific rural kebele administration is 3,599, of which 1,819 are males and 1,780 are females. The Kebele administration is mainly known for animal rearing, and the majority of the population earns their living from this activity, specifically dairy farming. The kebele is also home to 943 oxen, 1,020 cows, 347 "girders, 905 calves, 2,558 sheep, 65 goats, 135 horses, 720 donkeys, and 2,775 chickens (Berek Woreda Agricultural Office Report 2020). 2.2. The study design This study employed a qualitative research approach to gather relevant information about the under-investigated issue. In terms of study design, the researchers utilized a phenomenological research design, which enabled them to interpret and narrate the participants' perceptions, feelings, and beliefs regarding the essence of agriculture and their engagement in it (Maxwell, 1996 ). This design was chosen to uncover the daily experiences of the target population concerning the reasons and perceptions of youth engagement in agriculture (Groenewald, 2004 ). Additionally, it aimed to understand the socio-economic conditions and challenges faced by youth involved in agriculture. The qualitative approach was specifically employed to gain a clear understanding of the reasons why youth choose to engage in agriculture, from initial prospects to changes and market access. Furthermore, it was utilized to explore problems or challenges such as land accessibility, government negligence, availability of agricultural inputs, access to credit, livestock disease, and issues related to knowledge and motivation. Finally, this approach was used to illustrate the socio-economic conditions, including income, education, and perceptions among youth regarding engagement in the agricultural sector. 2.3. Participants This study was primarily conducted in Girar Kebele (Berek Woreda) , located in the Semen Showa zone of the Oromia national regional state, approximately 38 km from the capital city of Addis Ababa. According to the report obtained from the Woreda Bureau (2022), the total population of the woreda is 77,803, with 39,318 males and 38,485 females. Among them, 13,259 individuals are engaged in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, in 1991, the youth constituted a significant portion of the population involved in agriculture. Among the 22 kebeles within Berek Woreda, Girar Kebele has a comparatively larger population. The total population of this specific rural kebele administration is 3,599, with 1,819 males and 1,780 females. The kebele administration is primarily known for animal rearing, and a majority of the population earns their livelihoods through dairy farming. Since the study employed a qualitative approach, the participants for the selected sample were recruited using judgmental or purposive sampling. This sampling technique was designed to identify and select individuals who could provide conclusive information about the study objectives and issues. The inclusion criteria encompassed youth aged between 15 and 24, as specified by the United Nations (2022), who had resided in the kebele for more than five years. Individuals with physical impairments and disabilities that prevented their engagement in the agricultural sector were excluded from the study. Additionally, individuals who had spent less than six months in the selected kebele were also excluded from the study. 2.4. Data Collection Procedure and Instruments This study obtained approval from the Wolkite University Institutional Review Board Committee (004/16/WKUCSSHIRB). The data collection procedure began after the researchers obtained informed consent from the participants (youths), which was provided in a written and signed document by the Wolkite University Research Directorate and the Department of Sociology. To ensure data credibility, the researchers read the informed consent to participants with literacy problems and provided the document to those who were literate, asking for their willingness to provide the required information related to the study. Confidentiality was ensured by allowing participants the freedom to decline signing the informed consent if they were uncomfortable with the overall purpose of the study. Identifiable information about the participants was avoided, and pseudonyms were used to ensure participant anonymity. The investigators-initiated data collection by evaluating the outlined exclusion and inclusion criteria. Data collection took place from September 2021 to April 2022. Two instruments of data collection were employed in the research: in-depth interviews and key-informant interviews. In-depth interviews were primarily conducted with youths aged 15–25, as defined by the United Nations (2022) youth definition. This instrument was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and its ability to gather detailed and in-depth information to achieve the study objectives. Using purposive sampling, 25 participants from Girar Kebele were included. The interview questions were open-ended, avoiding double-barrelled questions that contain multiple contents in a single question. An interview guide and checklist were prepared prior to the interviews. Data from the participants were obtained using field tape recorders and note-taking. Each participant was allocated 25 minutes for a one-on-one interview. Table 1 provides a summary of the participants' profiles, including their code, sex, age, date of the interview, occupation, educational attainment, and residing kebele. Table 1 Demographic profile of in-depth interview participants from Girar Kebele (September 2021–April 2022). Code of informants Sex Age Marital Status Educational level Occupation Date of interview GK-1 M 25 Married Grade Ten Farm Work 18 Sep. 2021 GK-2 M 23 Never Married Grade 8 Farm Work 18 Sep. 2021 GK-3 M 26 Married Grade 10 Farm Work 18 Sep. 2021 GK-4 M 25 Married Grade 12 Farm Work 19 Sep. 2021 GK-5 F 22 Married Grade 8 Farm Work 19 Sep. 2021 GK-6 F 23 Never Married Grade 12 Farm Work 19 Sep. 2021 GK-7 F 20 Never Married Grade 12 Farm Work 03 Oct.2021 GK-8. M 18 Never Married Grade 11 Farm Work 03 Oct.2021 GK-9 M 16 Never Married Grade-8 Farm Work 03 Oct.2021 GK-10 F 22 Married Grade-11 Farm Work 05 Nov.2021 GK-11 F 20 Married Grade- 9 Farm Work 05 Nov.2021 GK-12 F 24 Married Grade-6 Farm Work 05 Nov.2021 GK-13 M 25 Married Basic Education Farm Work 08 Nov.2021 GK-14 M 25 Married Illiterate Farm Work 08 Nov.2021 GK-15 M 22 Never Married Basic Education Farm Work 08 Nov.2021 GK-16 F 17 Never Married Grade-9 Farm Work 10 Nov.2021 GK-17 F 17 Never Married Grade-9 Farm Work 10 Nov.2021 GK-17 F 21 Married Grade-5 Farm Work 10 Nov.2021 GK-18 M 24 Married Illiterate Farm Work 12 Nov.2021 GK-19 M 23 Married Illiterate Farm Work 12 Nov.2021 GK-20 M 22 Never Married Grade-12 Farm Work 12 Nov.2021 GK-21 F 22 Never Married Technical & Vocational Education Farm Work 05 Jan. 2022 GK-22 F 23 Married College Diploma Farm Work 05 Jan. 2022 GK-23 M 15 Never Married 6 Farm Work 05 Jan. 2022 GK-24 F 24 Married College Diploma Farm Work 07 Jan. 2022 GK-25 M 21 Never Married Grade-11 Farm Work 04 Feb. 2022 On the other hand, the key-informant interview was also used as a means of data collection. It consisted of agriculture and natural resource office experts and local elders as key informants. This was done to validate the information that was collected from different sources through triangulation. The researchers contacted eight key informants from the selected area's bureau or officials. Before conducting interviews with the youths engaged in agriculture and key informants such as agriculture and natural resource office experts and local elders, rapport was established to gain their trust and confidence. An interview checklist was utilized to guide the in-depth interviews with the informants. This checklist comprehensively covers essential questions that should be addressed during the interview (refer to Table 2 ). Table 2 Demographic profile of the key-informants in Girar Kebele (September 2021 to April 2022). . ID Location Sex Age Education attended Occupation Date of interview KIP1 Girar Kebele M 23 Can’t read & write Youths who works in the dairy farming’s 10 September 2021 KIP2 Girar Kebele M 35 Diploma in Animal Production and Management Berek Woreda agricultural and natural office experts 13 September 2021 KIP3 Girar Kebele M 27 Bachelor of Arts Berek Woreda agricultural and natural office experts 12 October 2021 KIP4 Girar Kebele F 38 Bachelor of Arts Berek Woreda agricultural and natural office experts 13 October 2021 KIP5 Girar Kebele F 28 Diploma in Crop Production and Management Berek Woreda agricultural and natural office experts 15 December 2021 KIP6 Girar Kebele M 24 Bachelor of Arts Degree Berek Woreda agricultural and natural office experts 13 January 2022 KIP7 Girar Kebele M 26 Master of Science Agriculture and development office 14 January 2022 KIP8 Girar Kebele M 20 Grade 7 Elder in the animal farmings 10 February 2022 2.5 Data analysis Data from interviews and observations was analysed in six steps using a deductive theme analysis approach (Braun & Clarke, 2006 ). The following actions were included in the analysis: First, familiarize ourselves with the data. This comprised data transcription and translation into English, as well as reading and re-reading the data. Two, generate the starting codes. Initial codes were developed by systematically coding noteworthy characteristics of the data across the full data set while keeping the stated objectives in mind. Then, for each code, data extracts were compiled. Three: explore themes. The themes were looked for throughout the full data collection. This stage mostly consisted of categorizing codes into prospective themes and collecting all data related to each potential subject. In this stage, the analyst tried to think about the link between codes, themes, and degrees of themes. Four: Review and refine your themes and sub-themes. Fifth, write a report. The report was divided into two sections: analysis and discussion. The analyst's narrative and illustrated data extracts are included in the analysis section. 3. Results and Discussion This section provides a detailed description of the information obtained from the three data collection instruments used in the study: in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and key-informant interviews. The findings of other scholars were also triangulated with the study's own findings. A total of 25 interviewees from different age groups engaged in the agricultural sector, along with eight key informants who were experts working in agricultural offices, participated in the study. Among the key informants, five were from the Berek Woreda agriculture and natural resource office, one was a Gerar Kebele agricultural development worker, one was a youth involved in dairy farming, one was a local elder engaged in animal farming, and the other two were youths involved in crop farming. The study adhered to the United Nations (2022) definition of youth (ages 15–25). The inclusion of respondents from various age groups engaged in different agricultural activities and possessing different expertise aimed to crosscheck and validate the data obtained from different observation units. This approach was undertaken based on the belief that gathering information from diverse sources provides valid and comprehensive insights into the investigated issue. 3.1. Reasons that motivate the youths to engage in the agricultural sectors Various scholars have provided reasons why the agricultural sector offers opportunities for youth engagement in agriculture (Bezu & Holden, 2014 ; Swarts & Aliber, 2013 ; White, 2012 ). However, based on the information obtained from the respondents, this study identified four major themes as the primary reasons for youth engagement in agricultural activities in Gerar Kebele. These themes include the prospect of change, access to the market, ease of joining the sector, and environmental conduciveness. 3.1.1. Prospect to Change To realize the prospect for change by agriculture for the youth, it is crucial to invest in youth-centered policies, access to finance, vocational training, mentorship, and supportive infrastructure (Abro et al., 2014 ). By recognizing and harnessing the potential of young people in agriculture, societies can ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for the sector while addressing pressing global challenges such as food security, rural development, and environmental sustainability (Abro et al., 2014 ). According to the information obtained from the interviewees, the main factor that attracted them to participate in the agricultural sector, particularly dairy farming, was the promising prospect of change. Based on the responses from interviewees #1 and #2, numerous individuals have transformed their lives through involvement in dairy farming. They have been able to purchase houses in cities, cars, accumulate substantial amounts of money in banks, and overall, enjoy a better quality of life due to the income generated from these activities. Similarly, one of the key informants who is currently engaged in dairy farming described his hope for change when he joined the sector as follows: "I have been involved in dairy farming since 2013, right after completing grade ten. Instead of pursuing further education, I made the decision to join and engage in this activity due to its promising prospects for bringing about positive change and leading a better life. Witnessing the transformation of many individuals in our kebele who achieved significant improvements through dairy farming served as my inspiration to participate in this particular agricultural endeavor. I had high expectations of gaining substantial benefits from dairy farming. My plan was to use the income I generated from this activity to purchase a house and open a shop in the nearby town, just like many of the successful farmers in our community" (KIP 1). The prospect of change in dairy farming attracted the interviewees to engage in the sector, as they witnessed others who achieved a better life through increased income, purchasing assets, and improving their standard of living. As Adekola et al. ( 2013 ) indicate, Engaging youth in agriculture can create new economic opportunities, both in rural and urban areas. By promoting innovative farming practices, entrepreneurship, and value-added activities, agriculture can generate sustainable income and employment for young people. They saw dairy farming as a pathway to economic improvement and desired a similar positive transformation in their own lives. 3.1.2. Access to Market Access to markets motivates youth to engage in agriculture by providing them with opportunities to sell their produce, generate income, and establish sustainable livelihoods (Adesina & Favour, 2016 ). It offers a platform for youth to showcase their agricultural products, connect with buyers, and participate in value chains, thereby enhancing their economic prospects and encouraging their active involvement in the agricultural sector (Adesina & Favour, 2016 ; Adekola et al., 2013 ). The key informants, including experts from the Berek Woreda agriculture and natural resource office, as well as the agricultural development worker from the kebele (KIP 2 and 3), revealed that Gerar Kebele is renowned for supplying dairy products to Addis Ababa more than any other kebele in the Berek Woreda . This is primarily attributed to its close proximity to the city, which allows producers to easily transport their products to the market at a lower cost. The convenience of this proximity enables farmers to deliver their dairy products easily and at a reduced expense to the nearby city. Consequently, it becomes evident that market accessibility serves as a significant motivating factor for the youth in Gerar Kebele to engage in agricultural activities. One of the interviewed youths involved in milk production elaborates on the situation of market accessibility as follows: To be honest, having easy access to a market for my produce is crucial for me to sustain and remain involved in this farming activity. I ensure a smooth supply of my products without any obstacles. As mentioned earlier, my focus is on milk production, primarily for commercial purposes. Milk is a highly perishable commodity, and without convenient market access, we would be unable to realize the anticipated benefits. Fortunately, due to the kebele's proximity to Addis Ababa, where there is a high demand for milk products, marketing our goods is not a problem. In fact, even business organizations come to our locality to purchase what we produce (in-depth interview #3). Consistent with the findings of Adesina & Favour ( 2016 ) and Berhanu and Poulton ( 2014 ), this article emphasizes that easy market accessibility is crucial for youth engaged in agriculture, specifically for perishable goods like milk production. Proximity to high-demand areas, such as Addis Ababa, ensures a stable market, enabling youth to derive benefits from their agricultural activities while avoiding product spoilage. 3.1.3. Easiness of the Sector to Join Based on the available studies conducted in the area, it is evident that in developing and impoverished countries like Ethiopia, agriculture is considered the most accessible sector for rural individuals to enter and engage in (Bezu & Holden, 2014 ). The data obtained from in-depth interviews with participants #4 and #5 corroborate this finding, as they mentioned the relative ease of joining and working in the agricultural sector as one of the reasons they were drawn to it. Moreover, the interviewees emphasized that agricultural activities do not necessarily require specialized knowledge and can be managed using the skills they have acquired through experience. Consequently, many of the respondents stated that they rely on the knowledge passed down from their families and the local community, rather than formal education, to conduct their agricultural activities. The two brothers who are currently involved in crop farming activities, as described in the study conducted in Kebele, provided the following account: We have been engaged in crop farming activities since 2014, after discontinuing our education in grades ten and seven. Initially, we didn't have our own farmland, so we began working on our family's land. Eventually, we were granted a parcel of land from our family, becoming landowners ourselves. At that point, we started cultivating teff, wheat, and barley for our own consumption on our own land. Given that we easily acquired the land from our father and had prior farming experience with him, joining the sector was straightforward for us. However, due to the limited size of our land, we only produce enough for subsistence. This is the situation faced by most young farmers in our area (in-depth interviews #6 and #7). In line with the ease of joining the sector, the other informant involved in dairy farming activity expressed the following sentiment: In our culture, when a man gets married and establishes his own household, it is customary for the family to provide him with a piece of land and cattle, the number of which is determined by the economic status of the family. In line with this tradition, when I got married in 2015, my father gave me two milk cows and half a hectare of farmland. Since then, I have been actively involved in dairy farming, and currently, I have two cows and two calves. Drawing from the experience passed down by my family, I found it relatively easy to manage this activity. Additionally, the close proximity of our kebele to Addis Ababa eliminated any difficulties in continuing with this endeavor. As a result, I am now fully engaged in this activity, with a significant portion of the products I produce intended for the market rather than household consumption. Overall, I encountered no major challenges in pursuing this specific agricultural activity (in-depth interviews #8 and #9). The findings, similar to Bezu & Holden ( 2014 ), assert that while young farmers in the locality express enthusiasm and involvement in agriculture, they face several challenges. These challenges include limited access to land, insufficient capital, market constraints, lack of agricultural knowledge, climate change impacts, and limited support services (Schmidt & Bekele, 2019 ). Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions and supportive policies is crucial to empower young farmers, enhance their productivity, and ensure the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in the locality. 3.1.4. The Environment Conduciveness A conducive environment in agriculture serves as a motivating factor for individuals to engage in the sector (Resilience, 2022 ; Sitawa, 2016). Factors such as supportive policies, resource accessibility, market opportunities, and favorable climatic conditions contribute to creating an enabling environment that encourages people to participate in agricultural activities, thereby fostering increased productivity and economic growth within the sector. The Berek Woreda and Girar Kebele, as confirmed by experts and the land development office (KIP 4 and 7), disclosed that 60% of the woreda's landscape falls within the sub-tropical zone, while the remaining 40% lies within the tropical zone. This distribution is considered highly favorable for both crop farming and animal husbandry. Correspondingly, the Kebele under investigation receives adequate rainfall, ranging between 970 and 1250 mm, and experiences optimal temperatures conducive to agricultural pursuits, aligning with its geographical location. Based on statistical data and observations, it is evident that the kebele is situated in the highland region, with its residents primarily engaged in mixed farming and showing a particular inclination towards animal husbandry. Consequently, the favourable environmental conditions serve as one of the reasons why young individuals opt to engage in agriculture. This notion is supported by a statement provided by one of the experts from the agriculture and natural resource office: Our woreda offers a highly favorable environment for agricultural activities, benefiting from excellent weather conditions that include sufficient rainfall, favorable temperatures, and flat farmland. Consequently, it presents promising opportunities for young individuals to engage in both animal farming and crop cultivation, with the potential for success. Among the 22 kebeles in the woreda, Gerar kebele stands out for its renowned dairy products, as it possesses ample grazing land compared to other kebeles. Moreover, the kebele has access to byproducts such as teff, wheat, and barley, which serve as feed for the animals, further enhancing its reputation in these agricultural products (Key Informant #5). The conducive environment in terms of supportive policies, resource access, market opportunities, and favourable climatic conditions in Berek Woreda and Girar Kebele motivates youth to engage in agriculture. The availability of adequate rainfall, optimal temperature, and fertile land in the region, combined with a focus on mixed farming and dairy production, provide promising prospects for the youth in the agricultural sector (Abro et al., 2014 ). 3.2. Problems with the Agricultural sector for the Youth’s The study successfully portrayed the major challenges hindering youth (aged 15–25) from engaging in agricultural activities. Extensive efforts were made by the researchers to present and describe these obstacles in the agricultural sector, based on the data obtained from the interviewees. The identified challenges include land inaccessibility, lack of necessary government support, expensive agricultural inputs, insufficient agricultural knowledge, livestock diseases, imbalance between the cost of agricultural inputs and agricultural products, as well as a lack of interest and motivation among youth to participate in the sector. These findings highlight the significant barriers that young individuals face when attempting to enter the agricultural field. 3.2.1 Land Inaccessibility Land is the most crucial asset for working in the agricultural sector. Both crop and animal farming activities cannot be conducted without land, especially the former (Adekola et al., 2013 ). As indicated by the data gathered from the respondents, land inaccessibility poses a significant challenge for youth engagement and participation in the agricultural sector, both within Berek woreda as a whole and specifically in Gerar kebele. The ownership of grazing and farmland predominantly rests with adults and elders, making it difficult for the youth to secure land for agricultural purposes. Consequently, a majority of the young individuals in the woreda, including Gerar kebele, rely on working on their family's land or renting land from those who are unable to cultivate their own due to various factors such as a lack of household labor force or the high cost of agricultural inputs. These challenges were highlighted by one of the key informants, an expert in agriculture and natural resources from Berek Woreda, who narrated the situation as follows: In our village, young individuals actively participate in both crop farming and animal husbandry. However, the primary challenge they face in engaging in these activities is the lack of access to land. The majority of the available farmland is already occupied by the elderly population, resulting in limited land tenure opportunities for the youth. A significant number of young people involved in agriculture do not possess their own land plots, compelling them to rely on rented land. The average landholding in the woreda stands at 1.5 hectares per household, which is insufficient to accommodate the aspirations of children interested in farming activities. Consequently, the youth inherit fragmented land that is inadequate for establishing a family and leading a prosperous life. This issue has led to a sense of hopelessness among the youth, despite their strong motivation to work in the agricultural sector (Key Informant #8). Continuing on the same topic, one of the youth informants expressed their perspective concerning the problem of land inaccessibility in Gerar kebele as follows: Currently, I am involved in both crop farming and animal husbandry, despite not having ownership of any farm or grazing land. I rely heavily on rented land to carry out these activities. However, due to the lack of access to grazing and farmland, I am compelled to purchase fodder for my dairy cows at a high cost. This is because the crop residues obtained from the rented and fragmented land are insufficient to adequately feed them. To be honest, if I had either a farm or grazing land, I would not face the challenge of obtaining fodder for my cows. In essence, the issue of land inaccessibility serves as the root cause of various other problems in my farming endeavors (in-depth interview #10). Therefore, land inaccessibility is one of the major constraints facing the youth respondents' desire to work in the agricultural sector. In the same vein, the findings of Thebe ( 2018 ) revealed that land inaccessibility poses a significant constraint to the youth respondents' aspirations to work in the agricultural sector. The limited availability of land hinders their ability to engage in farming activities and realize their potential in agriculture. 3.2.2. Negligible Government Support Government support is an important motivating factor for the youth to engage in different sectors, including agriculture (Shikur, 2020 ). The success of youth engaged in agriculture is partly influenced by government support, alongside other constant factors. However, according to in-depth interviews #11, #12, and #13, it became evident that the government has not effectively fulfilled its role in supporting the youth within the sector. Specifically, the government has failed to provide essential agricultural inputs and financial assistance to the youth, such as credit facilities, cost-effective agricultural inputs, youth-oriented training programs, and well-trained agricultural development professionals. The interviewees expressed their disappointment and frustration, noting that despite the time spent in the area, they have received no support from government stakeholders and responsible entities. They emphasized that discussions and photo sessions with the community are conducted without providing the necessary support, as these interactions seem to be focused on generating reports rather than addressing the collective welfare of the community. 3.2.3. Scarce in Agricultural Inputs The affordability of agricultural inputs is one of the determinants of success and profitability in the agricultural sector (Shikur, 2020 ). In accordance with this, the in-depth interviewees #14 and #15, who are actively involved in the agricultural sector, highlighted the significant financial burden caused by the high cost of agricultural inputs. They expressed their discouragement as they have to allocate a substantial portion of their production income towards purchasing expensive items such as fertilizers, improved seeds, pesticides, basic farm machinery, and other essential inputs. Consequently, young individuals engaged in the sector face challenges in achieving success, with a significant portion of their produce being used for subsistence and to cover the costs of agricultural inputs. According to their accounts, these issues arise from the lack of sufficient support from the government towards agriculture in general and the youth involved in agriculture specifically, including the provision of necessary agricultural inputs. One of the respondents, a 25-year-old youth engaged in crop farming in Gerar kebele, described the situation as follows: As you are aware, the expenses associated with agricultural inputs are exceedingly high. Even if we manage to secure land through renting or from our families, affording the cost of these inputs becomes incredibly challenging. For instance, a quintal of fertilizer costs 1700 Ethiopian birr, while the price range for a quintal of improved seed is between 1900 and 2300 Ethiopian birr. The cost of other inputs is similarly exorbitant. Unfortunately, we have not received any support from the government, which means we are compelled to purchase these inputs at the same high prices as affluent farmers, as there are no subsidies provided. Even if we somehow manage to afford the cost of inputs, we are unable to obtain a sufficient return on our investment. The expenses we incur in production outweigh the profits we generate, resulting in financial losses. Consequently, the steep costs of agricultural inputs act as a discouragement for beginners looking to engage in the sector. Speaking for myself, if the government does not take meaningful action to motivate and support us, I see no hope for continuing in this line of work in the future (in-depth interviewee #16). Therefore, the high cost of agricultural inputs and the lack of government support and subsidies act as significant deterrents to youth engagement in the agricultural sector in Gerar Kebele. The financial burden imposed by expensive inputs, including fertilizers, improved seeds, and pesticides, leads to minimal profitability for young farmers. Without interventions to tackle these challenges and provide the necessary support, youth respondents express a lack of hope and motivation to sustain their involvement in agriculture. Addressing the affordability of inputs and implementing supportive policies are crucial to encourage and empower the youth to pursue successful agricultural careers in Gerar Kebele. 3.2.4. Access to Credit Access to credit poses a significant challenge for youth engagement in agriculture. Limited financial resources and lack of collateral often make it difficult for young farmers to secure loans or credit from traditional financial institutions (Thebe, 2018 ). This hampers their ability to invest in farming inputs, machinery, and infrastructure, ultimately limiting their productivity and growth in the agricultural sector (Udemezue, 2018 ). Financial capital is also crucial for obtaining other essential assets such as land and agricultural inputs like fertilizers, which play a crucial role in engaging in agricultural activities. However, information gathered from in-depth interview #17 revealed that the government has not established a suitable financial institution that offers financial services with minimal interest rates as an incentive to youth involved in the agricultural sector within the kebele. The existing microfinance institutions provide loans to all individuals in the kebele at the same interest rate, further exacerbating the situation. Additionally, these institutions require collateral, which is unaffordable for youth. Consequently, the lack of access to finance in the kebele compounds the challenges faced by youth engaged in the agricultural sector. A 22-year-old youth involved in dairy farming from the kebele shared the following insights regarding this issue: As a youth, I have not gotten any meaningful cooperation from the government side in terms of credit access. There are no financial institutions that lend us money at a low interest rate. We are forced to borrow with a high interest rate, which didn’t make us successful in the sector because no incentives (credit with a low interest rate) have been provided by the government (in-depth interview #18). Furthermore, one of the respondents from the Agriculture and Development Office (KIP #8) confirmed the government's inability to furnish credit facilities for youths at a discounted interest rate. His perspective on this matter is expressed as follows: As an expert in the woreda, I am well aware of the government's support for youth involved in the agricultural sector. Previously, the government offered interest-free credit to youths, both those already engaged in the sector and those interested in joining. This support was provided through a revolving fund mechanism known as the "revolve fund." However, currently, this fund has been discontinued, and the government no longer provides any special financial assistance to youth. Consequently, the absence of both revolving funds and access to credit at low interest rates for youth in the kebele has become a discouraging factor for those currently involved in the sector and for those who have an interest in pursuing agricultural activities. The lack of suitable financial institutions and access to credit with low-interest rates is a significant obstacle to youth engagement in agriculture in the kebele. As described by Udemezue ( 2018 ), existing microfinance institutions do not offer specialized loans for young farmers and often require collateral that they cannot provide. The discontinuation of the government's revolving fund, which previously provided interest-free credit, further exacerbates the problem. The absence of financial support and incentives hinders the success of youth in agriculture and discourages their participation in the sector. To address this issue, it is necessary to establish youth-focused financial institutions and reintroduce specialized credit facilities with affordable interest rates, empowering young farmers in the kebele. 3.2.5. Livestock Disease Livestock disease poses a significant challenge for youth engagement in agriculture. Disease outbreaks can lead to the loss of livestock, reduced productivity, and financial setbacks for young farmers (White, 2012 ). The high cost of veterinary services and treatments further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for youth to afford necessary healthcare for their livestock (White, 2012 ). Additionally, the lack of knowledge and access to information about disease prevention and management can hinder their ability to effectively protect their animals. Based on the data gathered from youth informants in Gerar Kebele, livestock diseases have emerged as a significant challenge that limits their involvement in dairy farming. The youth participants who are engaged in beef and dairy farming express deep disappointment regarding this issue. One of the youth respondents, currently involved in dairy farming, described the impact of livestock diseases on his activities in the following manner: In our dairy farming activities, we have encountered various challenges. However, none have been as devastating as animal diseases, which have the potential to bring us to the brink of failure overnight. Among the livestock diseases, the one that significantly affects the normal functioning of cows' udders is particularly noticeable and dreadful in our kebele. Additionally, there is a livestock disease known as "foot and mouth disease" or "qabbanna." Furthermore, a severe livestock disease caused by calcium deficiency poses a grave threat to milk cows during delivery, as it weakens their bones and can lead to immediate death if not promptly treated with the appropriate medication. The gravity of these issues is further exacerbated by the absence or shortage of medications. We face difficulties in accessing them as they are not readily available in government drug stores. Even if we manage to find them in private veterinary drug stores, the prices are often too high for us to afford. Due to these complex and unresolved issues surrounding medication shortages and limited access, we constantly worry about how to obtain calcium for our cows during calving. The loss of our valuable cows' lives is a genuine concern if we are unable to acquire this medication (in-depth interviewee #19). The finding revelled that the youth engaged in dairy farming in Gerar Kebele face significant challenges due to livestock diseases. The impact of these diseases on milk cow breasts, the presence of "foot and mouth disease" or "qabbanna," and a severe disease caused by calcium deficiency during delivery were highlighted as particularly concerning. The lack of availability and accessibility of medications in government drug stores, along with the high cost of purchasing from private veterinary drug stores, further compounds the issue (Thomson, 2018 ). The limited access to remedies for livestock diseases raises concerns among youth farmers about the health and survival of their cows, posing a risk to their farming activities and the loss of valuable livestock. 3.2.6. Imbalance between Cost of Agricultural Inputs and Price of Agricultural Products The imbalance between the cost of agricultural inputs and the price of agricultural products in the market is also considered one of the big challenges facing youth interviewees who engaged in agricultural activities in the study area (Thomson, 2018 ). The majority of the interview participants expressed those agricultural inputs, including livestock fodder, pesticides, livestock medication, fertilizer, improved seeds, and more, are excessively expensive. On the other hand, agricultural products such as dairy products and cereals are sold at very low prices, as the buyers dictate the prices rather than the producers. Consequently, the income generated from the sale of agricultural products is insufficient to cover the costs incurred for inputs. A 20-year-old interviewee described the imbalance between the cost of agricultural inputs and the price of agricultural products in the following manner: Currently, my primary engagement is in dairy farming, and I also practice crop farming for personal consumption. However, the situation of dairy farming in our kebele is disheartening as the costs of inputs and animal feeds continue to rise. We are compelled to purchase livestock medication and fodder at exorbitant prices. For instance, a 50-kilogram bag of fodder costs 350.00 Ethiopian birr, which only feeds two cows for a day. Additionally, the cost of medication for our cows is prohibitively high since we have no choice but to buy from private suppliers due to the government's failure to provide these medications. The medication known as 'Calcium,' which we administer to cows once a week, is priced between 1300–1600 Ethiopian birr at private veterinary drug stores, whereas the normal price is 300.00 Ethiopian birr. Despite the steep cost, we are left with no alternative but to purchase this calcium at an exorbitant price to ensure the health of our cows; otherwise, we risk losing them. On the other hand, we face the challenge of selling our dairy products at low prices set by buyers. For example, a liter of milk is sold to business organizations like "Shola," a milk supplier organization, for 10–13 Ethiopian birr. The prices set by buyers do not consider our production costs, and if we attempt to increase the price to reflect our expenses, we lose customers. Business organizations, such as "Shola," have well-established networks with other customers, allowing them to dictate the price of milk solely in their favor. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that if we refuse to sell our products to one business organization, other organizations are reluctant to buy from us as they have already established partnerships with similar businesses. They collectively turn against us and shift their attention to other farmers, leaving us with no choice but to sell at the price they have imposed upon us. In general, we, the dairy farmers, do not benefit from our hard work; instead, it is the business organizations to which we supply our products that reap the rewards. Currently, we are enduring significant hardships due to the imbalance between the costs of agricultural inputs and the prices of agricultural products in the market (in-depth interviewee #22). 3.2.7. Lack of Adequate Knowledge of Agriculture …The cattle adopt you and you adopt the cattle… The data collected from the youth interviewees in Gerar Kebele and the agricultural experts in Berek Woereda reveal that a lack of sufficient agricultural knowledge among the youth is another significant challenge. Agricultural knowledge, acquired through formal education and practical experience, is a crucial factor in predicting success in the sector. The in-depth interviews with participants #20 and #21 highlight that the youths in the Kebele lack the necessary knowledge in agriculture, particularly in terms of formal education that could contribute to their success in agricultural activities. The interview data also indicates that the agricultural knowledge of the youth, when engaged in farming, is primarily based on experiences passed down from their families and the local community rather than formal education. Consequently, the youth interviewees lack the scientific knowledge required for achieving success in farming activities, emphasizing the need for further training to excel in the sector. Regarding this issue, one of the key informants (KIP 7) from the Gerar Kebele agricultural development worker provided the following descriptions: The youth in this kebele do not rely on scientific knowledge when it comes to conducting various farming activities. Instead, they solely depend on the knowledge passed down to them by their families and the community. Even when we make an effort to impart agricultural knowledge supported by scientific evidence, they are unwilling to accept it. They dismiss our mentoring activities and do not give us a chance. Moreover, they don't believe that we possess superior scientific-based agricultural knowledge compared to their own. In general, the point I want to emphasize is that the youth in this kebele lack sufficient scientific-based agricultural knowledge, which hinders their success in farming activities. In addition, a youth interviewee of the kebele who is currently engaging in crop farming has stated the following in relation to his knowledge of agriculture: To be honest, I don't believe I possess sufficient agricultural knowledge. My approach is mostly based on experience since I haven't received formal education in the field. Occasionally, agricultural development workers provide us with training and guidance on how to conduct our farming activities, but it is often inadequate, and we don't fully embrace their teachings. The knowledge imparted by these workers doesn't always align with the realities we face, and it is not efficient in terms of time and cost. For instance, the recommended practice of sowing teff in a straight line is inefficient in terms of time, fertilizer requirements, and labor consumption. Therefore, it's challenging for us to accept and implement all the advice given by development workers. Instead, we continue to rely on our usual methods that are based on experience (in-depth interviewee #23). Based on the data presented above, it can be concluded that the youth interviewees in Gerar Kebele, who are involved in agricultural activities, lack sufficient scientific agricultural knowledge necessary for success in farming. Despite the government's efforts to provide scientific agricultural knowledge, the youth are unwilling to accept and implement it in practice. 3.2.8. Lack of Motivation and Interest Another challenge that youth encounter when engaging in agriculture and striving for success is a lack of interest and motivation. The interview data indicates that youths exhibit greater interest and inclination towards working in sectors other than agriculture. A 15-year-old interviewee from the Berek Wereda agricultural and natural resource office shared the following data regarding this matter: The youth in the woreda exhibit no interest or motivation to work in the agricultural sector due to the perceived hard work and tedium associated with it. Instead, they prefer migrating to cities and seeking employment as daily laborers in factories and companies, rather than pursuing a career as farmers. In their quest for better job opportunities, a considerable number of youths frequently migrate to nearby towns and cities from the woreda. This lack of interest and motivation among the youth to work in the agricultural sector can be attributed to some extent. It is worth noting that despite the government's promises to create a conducive environment for youths interested in engaging in the agricultural sector, this issue remains prevalent (in-depth interviewee #23). 3.3. Socio-Economic Conditions of Youths’ Socio-economic factors encompass various aspects of lifestyle, financial viability, and social standing (Magagula & Tsvakirai, 2020 ). They directly impact social privileges and levels of financial independence, and sociologists study factors such as employment, health status, income, environment, and education to understand their influence on human behaviour and circumstances (Magagula & Tsvakirai, 2020 ). This section aims to comprehend and describe the socio-economic conditions of youth in Gerar Kebele. Being a rural kebele, the statistical data indicates that the majority of youths in this community are involved in mixed farming activities. From observations and interviews, it is evident that most youths are not in a favourable economic condition, primarily due to limited access to land. The majority of Gerar Kebele residents do not have sufficient land to cultivate beyond subsistence farming on their family plots. In this context, the researchers have focused on describing the socio-economic conditions of youths based on two main parameters, namely income and education, among others. 3.4.1. Income Income refers to the earnings individuals receive from various economic activities, including agriculture, employment, business, or investments. Net income directly influences the financial capacity of individuals or families to meet their expenses. It plays a crucial role in determining the choices and living conditions of families. Individuals living close to the poverty line often have to prioritize one necessity over another, such as choosing between medicine and food (Galor & Zeira, 1993 ). According to the interviews conducted, the youth interviewees in Gerar Kebele had very low-income levels, primarily due to their limited access to land, which hampers their ability to generate higher income. Consequently, they face challenges in meeting their basic needs, particularly during periods that are not associated with harvest. In alignment with the preceding paragraphs, one interviewee provides the following description of the condition of youth in Gerar Kebele: Due to our limited land for cultivation, we encounter significant income-related challenges, even when it comes to meeting our basic needs. As an example, I personally own a single local cow and work on my family's land. However, the produce from this plot is solely used for subsistence, and the income generated is meager. We only receive a small amount of money from selling a few liters of milk each day. In general, the income we earn as a family is minimal and fragmented, which applies to individual youths as well (in-depth interviewee #23). This impedes their ability to generate higher incomes and poses difficulties in meeting basic needs, particularly during non-harvest periods. The testimonies of the interviewees, such as one individual who mentioned their meagre earnings from working on their family's land and owning a single local cow, highlight the extent of the issue. The youth in Gerar Kebele experience minimal and fragmented income, impacting not only their individual prospects but also the well-being of their families. Addressing these challenges and finding solutions to enhance land access and income opportunities for the youth in rural areas are crucial steps towards promoting sustainable development and improving livelihoods in the community (Thebe, 2018 ). 3.4.2. Education Education serves as a key indicator of the socio-economic status within a society or group. Numerous social science scholars concur that educational attainment directly correlates with the income level of a specific community (Thomson, 2018 ). Based on this understanding, an effort was made to determine the educational status of the interviewees. Consequently, it was found that almost all participating youths (across five education levels) had completed up to grade 10. The interview data indicates that the low educational status of the youth significantly influences their overall engagement in agricultural activities and, more specifically, their income level. When discussing the state of education and agriculture, one of our interviewees made the following statement: I discontinued my education after completing grade 8. Consequently, I lack any formal scientific knowledge on agricultural practices. As a result, I engage in agricultural activities using traditional methods or relying on the skills passed down to me by my father. However, if I had received adequate education in agriculture, I believe I could generate a higher income by implementing modern farming techniques (in-depth interviewee #24). Therefore, based on the statement above, we can infer that an individual's education level directly impacts agricultural productivity. Individuals with a higher educational background are more likely to readily adopt modern farming techniques introduced by agricultural development workers (Thomson, 2018 ). 4. Discussion One of the strategic frameworks of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the period 2022–2031 aims to promote the active involvement of youth in agriculture. The organization recognizes the importance of providing better economic opportunities and reducing poverty, especially in developing nations, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2030. In line with this, the present study focuses on exploring the positive energy and participation of youth in the agricultural sector in Berek Woreda, located in the North Showa Zone of the Oromia National Regional State. Furthermore, the study has specific objectives, which include: (a) understanding the motivating factors that drive youth engagement in the agricultural sector, (b) identifying the challenges faced by youth in their agricultural pursuits, and (c) investigating the current socio-economic conditions, particularly in terms of income and education, of the youth involved in agriculture. When considering the reasons that encourage youth to engage in the agricultural sector in the study area, several factors stand out. Firstly, the potential for a promising future and the prospect of a good life plays a significant role. Additionally, the proximity and easy access to marketplaces, along with the favourable environmental conditions of the study area, contribute to the appeal. These findings align with previous studies conducted by Adesina & Favour ( 2016 ) and Bezu & Holden ( 2014 ), which highlight that youth in developing countries, including Ethiopia, are motivated to work in agriculture due to its potential to effectively reduce rural poverty within their communities compared to other industries. Furthermore, in line with these findings, facilitating the involvement of the youth cohort in agriculture, particularly in emerging nations, holds great potential for significantly alleviating rural poverty for both adults and children (Schmidt & Bekele, 2019 ). One of the key findings of this study highlights the challenges and obstacles faced by young individuals in their aspiration to become farmers, contrasting with the motivating factors that drive their involvement in agriculture. Young people residing in rural areas have encountered various hurdles in initiating their farming operations, primarily related to limited access to markets, acquiring land, obtaining agricultural inputs, and accessing banking services. Additionally, youth in the study region face a scarcity of available land for cultivation. Inherited land from parents is often insufficient, restricting their potential to have an adequate amount of arable land. The limited access to land in the study area is identified as a significant barrier, considering that establishing a farm is a primary objective. Supporting this finding, as highlighted by Schmidt & Bekele ( 2016 ), it is important to acknowledge that many young individuals in rural areas, aspiring to be farmers, lack access to land due to its limitations unless their parents or the larger community make some available, even if their parents own property. Furthermore, the study's findings indicate that the government's support for the agricultural industry is insufficient on various fronts, discouraging young people from pursuing careers in agriculture and contributing to the development of society (Schmidt & Bekele, 2019 ). Furthermore, several other significant factors were cited, including the high cost of agricultural inputs, limited financial access with high-interest rates, and the youth's lack of scientific knowledge in agricultural practices. Specifically pertaining to dairy farming, the prevalence of animal diseases emerged as a serious challenge for youth involved in the agricultural sector. Moreover, a notable deterrent for youth engagement in agriculture and productivity is the lack of motivation. Many young individuals tend to prefer other sectors that require less labor and are perceived as more productive. Supporting these findings, Tarekegn et al. ( 2022 ) explain how agriculture is often viewed as financially unrewarding, physically and mentally demanding, involving labour in unfavourable conditions such as "working in the mud and water" under the sun, and is considered a low-status job by both young people and elder family members (Thebe, 2018 ). Another crucial objective of the study was to assess the socio-economic status of youth farmers in the study area. Socio-economic factors encompass elements of lifestyle and serve as indicators of financial viability and social standing (Filho et al., 2022 ). The economic situation, or income generated, by the agricultural sector is notably poor due to the numerous obstacles and challenges mentioned by young farmers in the preceding section. Primarily, their inability to access land in their district directly hampers their ability to earn sufficient revenue from cultivating the land and producing dairy products to sustain their daily lives. In terms of education, youth farmers in the study area are mostly limited to completing primary school or reaching tenth grade. Farmers with a higher level of education are more likely to quickly adopt new technologies, as they have better access to relevant information and can discern the potential success of innovations. Conversely, farmers with lower levels of education often prefer to wait until a new technology has been successfully implemented by their peers or until its benefits have been proven, giving educated farmers an advantage and making the new technology even more appealing and lucrative (Ninh, 2021 ). 5. Policy Directives and Youth’s Engagement in Agriculture To promote sustainable socioeconomic development, it is crucial to encourage the active involvement of youth in the agricultural sector. Due to this reality, numerous developing countries are investing significant resources in enhancing the agricultural sector through the active involvement of their young population (Abro et al., 2014 ). In line with this, the agricultural policies of many developing nations, including Ethiopia, are formulated to empower youth as the driving force behind agricultural productivity and improvement programs (Abro et al., 2014 ; Berhanu & Poulton, 2014 ). However, achieving this objective is an arduous task, given the multitude of challenges faced by developing nations, and it requires the concerted efforts of various stakeholders, including international organizations dedicated to agricultural development and food security. International organizations actively addressing food security concerns recognize the significant contribution of youth to enhancing the agricultural sector and ultimately ensuring food security. Consequently, these organizations have placed special emphasis on promoting youth engagement in agriculture. The CFS (2022) report emphasizes that young people are crucial in achieving sustainable development, particularly in developing countries where the majority of them reside, often in rural areas. The agro-food sector holds vast untapped employment opportunities for youth. However, limited access to land, natural resources, infrastructure, finance, technology, and knowledge, coupled with inadequate remuneration for agricultural and food workers, dissuade youth from pursuing careers in agriculture and remaining in rural areas (Jaeger & Humphreys, 1988 ). Many youths in developing nations perceive migration, either to urban areas or overseas, as their best option. Consequently, efforts are needed to make the agro-food sector more appealing to young people and enhance their capacity to generate income. As a recommendation, the government and relevant authorities should establish specialized financial institutions or programs aimed at providing affordable credit and financial services to young farmers. This can involve offering low-interest loans, grants, and implementing financial literacy programs to empower them to invest in agricultural activities. Similarly, the agricultural policy of the Ethiopian government places significant emphasis on creating a conducive environment for youth participation in the sector (Bezu & Holden, 2014 ). Despite the government's efforts to set an agenda and establish favourable conditions for youth engagement, practical outcomes that positively impact the lives of individuals in peripheral areas are not readily apparent or visible, except for the youth residing in cities and metropolitan regions. In this regard, the government has implemented various initiatives to attract young people to the sector. These include providing micro-credit services, allocating revolving funds, organizing youth participation in selected farming activities, allocating land, offering entrepreneurship training, and deploying agricultural extension workers. However, these measures alone are insufficient to address the underlying challenges faced by communities in achieving sustainable agricultural productivity and development (Tarekegn et al., 2022 ). The persisting problem has become widespread across the entire country (CFS, 2022; Wondimu et al., 2023 ). Promoting the use of modern agricultural technologies and innovation among young farmers can potentially provide a long-term solution to the problem. This entails training them in the utilization of digital tools, precision farming techniques, and climate-smart practices to enhance productivity and sustainability. The most significant challenge lies in the lack of youth interest in engaging in the agricultural sector, despite the government's efforts to create favourable conditions. Data collected from the participants indicates that their aspirations are primarily focused on urban settings, and substantial youth outmigration is not uncommon. However, there is also a failure on the part of the government to effectively implement the policy directives on the ground. Consequently, there are issues pertaining to inadequate follow-up, limited access to credit, insufficient expertise, lack of strong commitment, and a failure to uphold the policy documents on the government's side. This problem could be resolved by providing agricultural education and vocational training programs specifically designed for young people. These programs should focus on teaching modern farming techniques, agribusiness skills, and entrepreneurship to equip them with the necessary knowledge and practical abilities. Additionally, the government should facilitate land access for young farmers through land leasing or redistribution programs. This can be achieved by implementing policies that prioritize land allocation to young farmers and establishing mechanisms to address land fragmentation issues. Countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Brazil have made progress in this area by following the aforementioned approach and successfully implementing initiatives targeting youth in agriculture. Ultimately, each country needs to assess its own context and tailor policies to address the specific needs and challenges faced by its youth population in the agricultural sector. 6. Conclusion The main objective of the study was to examine the prospects and challenges faced by rural Ethiopian youth engaged in agriculture, with a specific focus on Gerar Kebele. The study aimed to understand the socio-economic conditions of the youth and the factors that attract or deter them from participating in agriculture. Based on the socio-economic conditions of the youth in the study, those interviewed revealed that they faced poor circumstances due to a lack of necessary assets such as land and finance, which are essential for agricultural activities. The interviewees also highlighted various pull factors that attracted them to the sector, including better prospects for change, market accessibility, ease of entry, and a conducive farming environment. However, the interview data revealed that the agricultural activities of the youth were hindered by factors such as limited access to land, lack of government support, livestock diseases, insufficient agricultural knowledge, and a lack of interest and motivation. The interviewees had both positive and negative perceptions of agriculture, influenced by their personal situations. In summary, the interviewed youth reported limited income from their current agricultural activities due to factors such as restricted land access, imbalances between the costs of agricultural inputs and the prices of agricultural products, livestock diseases, and reliance on rainfed crop farming. Consequently, they struggled to meet their basic needs. This discouragement leads many of them to leave the sector and migrate to nearby cities in search of alternative employment opportunities. The poor rewards offered by the agricultural sector, particularly for young individuals aspiring to engage in it, further exacerbate the situation. These circumstances can have a detrimental impact on agricultural activity and the community's economy. Declarations Funding : This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Clinical Trial Number : not applicable. Consent to Participate : not applicable. Consent to Publish : not applicable. Ethics Approval : not applicable. Author Contributions : Dagnachew Terefe Degf is the sole author of this manuscript and was responsible for conceptualization, data collection, analysis, writing, and editing. Data Availability : The data supporting this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. 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Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach . http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BA27933242 Nations, F. a. a. O. O. T. U. (2018). Youth and Agriculture: Key Challenges and Concrete Solutions . Food & Agriculture Org. Ninh, L. D. (2021). Economic role of education in agriculture: evidence from rural Vietnam. Journal of Economics and Development , 23 (1), 47–58. https://doi.org/10.1108/jed-05-2020-0052 Njeru, L. K. (2017). Youth in Agriculture; Perceptions and Challenges for Enhanced Participation in Kajiado North Sub-County, Kenya. Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences , 7 (8), 203–209. https://doi.org/10.15580/gjas.2017.8.100117141 P, A. K., George, T. S., & NT, S. (2018). Character Strength Development: Perspectives from Positive Psychology . Sage Publications Pvt. Limited. Resilience. (2022). A theory of change for sustainable agriculture. Resilience . https://www.resilience.org/stories/2022-12-15/a-theory-of-change-for-sustainable-agriculture/ Ripoll, S., Andersson, J. A., Badstue, L. B., Büttner, M., Chamberlin, J., Erenstein, O., & Sumberg, J. (2017). Rural transformation, cereals and youth in Africa: What role for international agricultural research? Outlook on Agriculture , 46 (3), 168–177. https://doi.org/10.1177/0030727017724669 Schmidt, E., & Bekele, F. (2016). Rural youth and employment in Ethiopia . Intl Food Policy Res Inst. Schmidt, E., & Bekele, F. (2019). Rural Youth and Employment in Ethiopia. In Oxford University Press eBooks (pp. 109–136). https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198848059.003.0005 Shikur, Z. H. (2020). Agricultural policies, agricultural production and rural households’ welfare in Ethiopia. Journal of Economic Structures , 9 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40008-020-00228-y Sitawa, M. (2016, October 23). Challenges faced by youth engaging in agriculture. A study of peri-urban Kiambu in Kenya . GRIN. https://www.grin.com/document/343332 Swarts, M. B., & Aliber, M. (2013). The ‘youth and agriculture’ problem: implications for rangeland development. African Journal of Range & Forage Science , 30 (1–2), 23–27. https://doi.org/10.2989/10220119.2013.778902 Tarekegn, K., Kamaylo, K., Galtsa, D., & E, O. (2022). Youth Participation in Agricultural Enterprises as Rural Job Creation Work and Its Determinants in Southern Ethiopia. Advances in Agriculture , 2022 , 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5760331 Thebe, V. (2018). Youth, agriculture and land reform in Zimbabwe: Experiences from a communal area and resettlement scheme in semi-arid Matabeleland, Zimbabwe. African Studies , 77 (3), 336–353. https://doi.org/10.1080/00020184.2018.1466516 Thomson, S. (2018). Achievement at school and socioeconomic background—an educational perspective. Npj Science of Learning , 3 (1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-018-0022-0 Udemezue, J. C. (2018). Theories and Models of Agricultural Development. Annals of Reviews and Research . https://doi.org/10.19080/arr.2018.01.555574 United Nations. (n.d.). Youth | United Nations . https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/youth White, B. (2012). Agriculture and the Generation Problem: Rural Youth, Employment and the Future of Farming. IDS Bulletin , 43 (6), 9–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1759-5436.2012.00375.x Wondimu, H., Melkamu, G., & Dejene, K. (2023). A qualitative study on the unresolved problem of female genital mutilations, socio-cultural reasons, and policy issues in the Afar regions of Ethiopia. Cogent Public Health , 10 (1). https://doi.org/10.1080/27707571.2023.2205706 Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology , 3 (2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eAgriculture can be traced back to 10,000 BC, estimating the emergence of the first farmer who engaged in the domestication of animals and plants. Throughout the years, agriculture has evolved alongside societal changes (Hansen et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Initially, people relied on hunting and gathering as a means of obtaining food, as there were no farmers. However, as the population grew, so did the number of farmers. Various theories, such as Resilience (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e), Udemezue (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), and Sitawa (2016), explain the origin of agriculture. The shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture is primarily attributed to the increasing population. Multiple proponents offer explanations for the origin of agriculture, with the common understanding being that the growth in population made the continuation of hunting and gathering unsustainable (Hansen et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e The definition of youth perhaps changes with circumstances, especially with the changes in demographic, financial, economic, and socio-cultural settings; thus, the definition that uses the 15\u0026ndash;24 age cohort as youth fairly serves its statistical purposes for assessing the needs of the young people and providing guidelines for youth development (United Nations, 2022). The youth, aged 15 to 24, make up more than one billion of the total global population. The majority of them are in the developing world (85%). There is a significant dependence on youth labour in agriculture for food security and production at the global, regional, and local levels (Proctor \u0026amp; Lucchese, 2012). It is anticipated that the youth will play an increasingly significant role in agricultural activities to enhance global food production and achieve food security (Njeru, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimilarly, youth labor is required to enhance the income that rural farmers receive from agriculture and also to enhance economic development in rural communities. Youth are characterized by great physical strength, a risk-taking attitude, openness to change, and creativity, which are critical in advancing new technology in agriculture (United Nations, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYoung men and women participate in the agro-food system through various means, including formal and informal wage work, unpaid family labor, self-employment, and cooperative membership. Their involvement spans across all levels of the value chain (Njeru, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). In general, youth earn \"mixed livelihoods\" from diverse sources, including on-farm, off-farm, and non-farm activities, with self-employment and migration playing significant roles. Although there is some evidence of youth being uninterested in agriculture and leaving the sector, the absolute number of youth dependent on farming or livestock production is likely to increase due to population growth (United Nations, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Youth exhibit a preference for modern agricultural practices, the use of technology, and opportunities for quick returns compared to staple crops. Their decisions to engage in agricultural work are also influenced by their environment, including the economic and political context, social norms, the nature of the agro-food system, institutions, laws, regulations, parental and peer influence, media, previous experiences, and gender relations (Thomson, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Africa, young people make up a substantial and increasing proportion of the population, with 70 percent falling within the age bracket of 30 years or below (George et al., 2018). However, there is evidence suggesting that many young individuals are not inclined towards pursuing careers in agriculture. This lack of interest can potentially hinder the national and international goals of achieving economic growth through agricultural investments. Furthermore, the aging farming population is a growing concern, as more young people are reportedly choosing not to engage in the agricultural sector as farmers (Balmford et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Given that agriculture is one of the continent's largest economic sectors, supporting broad economic development and providing food for a significant portion of the population, this trend poses a serious threat to the future of farming and meeting the demands of a rapidly growing urban population. The combination of increasing youth unemployment, aging farmers, and declining crop yields under traditional farming systems necessitates prioritizing youth engagement in agriculture (Ripoll et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the case of Ethiopia, over 45 percent of the population is under the age of 15, and 71 percent is under the age of 30 (Central Statistical Agency, 2014). The majority of Ethiopian youth reside in rural areas where agriculture has traditionally been the primary livelihood. As the state owns all land in Ethiopia, rural residents have been granted access to land through a law that entitles them to acquire agricultural land for free (Bezu \u0026amp; Holden, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). However, fulfilling this right has become increasingly challenging for the younger generation. Conversely, a significant number of elderly individuals possess large landholdings, limiting the opportunities for youth to engage in agricultural activities and compelling them to seek alternative employment options (Shikur, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Parts of the Ethiopian highlands are currently facing severe land scarcity, with high population densities and diminishing farm sizes. Consequently, the safety net provided by land is eroding, leading to landlessness among youth who are unable to retain their parents' land (Sosina \u0026amp; Holden, 2014).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, the primary objective of this study is to comprehend the challenges and prospects for youth engagement in agriculture in rural Ethiopia, with a specific focus on Gerar Kebele of Berek Woreda in the North Showa Zone of Oromia National Regional State. Additionally, the study explores youths' perceptions of agriculture and their socio-economic conditions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec2\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e1.1. Study\u0026rsquo;s Objectives\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to explore the following specific objectives: (a) understanding the reasons that motivate youths to engage in the agricultural sector; (b) identifying the challenges encountered by youths involved in the sector; and finally, (c) investigating the current socio-economic conditions, specifically income and education, of youths engaged in agriculture.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"2. Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Description of the study area\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eBerek woreda\u003c/em\u003e is found in the Semen Showa zone of Oromia's national regional state, which is around 38 km from the capital city of Addis Ababa. Which is located at 90 50\u0026rsquo; N \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;100 15\u0026rsquo; Latitude and 44\u0026deg; 8' \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;57\u0026rsquo; East Longitude, and an altitude of 2200 m \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3228 m above sea level. The \u003cem\u003eworeda\u003c/em\u003e is bordered by Geda Woreda in the north, Aleletu Woreda in the south, and Sululeta Woreda in the west. The woreda exhibits a maximum temperature of 250\u0026deg;C, an average temperature of 160\u0026deg;C, and a minimum temperature of 70\u0026deg;C. The \u003cem\u003eworeda\u003c/em\u003e also has a rainfall of 1250mm, 970mm, and 700mm high, medium, and minimum, respectively. Most of W\u003cem\u003eoreda\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/em\u003e topography (60%) is located under the sub-tropical temperature zone, and 40% of the landform is located under the tropical zone (Berek Woreda Agricultural Office Report 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe total population of the woreda is 77,803, of which 39318 are male and 38485 are female. Among these, 13259 are engaged in the agricultural sector. In line with this, in 1991, the total population engaged in agriculture was composed of youths. When we see the livelihood of the population in the woreda, the majority (90%) of them earn their living from farming (mixed farming). The main cereal crops produced in the woreda are wheat, teff, beans, and barley. The woreda have a cattle population of 95236, of which 29537 are cows, 37550 are oxen, 18466 are calves, and 9683 are bulls. In addition to these, the woreda also has 84139 sheep, 4550 goats, 15187 horses, 165 mules, 22428 donkeys, and 84589 chickens (Berek Woreda Agricultural Office Report 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe woreda is divided into 22 rural kebele administrations. For better understanding, kebele is a term used in Ethiopia to refer to the smallest administrative unit within a district or municipality. It is similar to a neighborhood or village and is typically responsible for local governance, community development, and the provision of basic services to residents. Each kebele is led by an elected committee and serves as a local level of government. We selected and worked on one rural kebele administration, which is named \u003cem\u003eGerar kebele.\u003c/em\u003e The total population of this specific rural kebele administration is 3,599, of which 1,819 are males and 1,780 are females. The Kebele administration is mainly known for animal rearing, and the majority of the population earns their living from this activity, specifically dairy farming. The kebele is also home to 943 oxen, 1,020 cows, 347 \"girders, 905 calves, 2,558 sheep, 65 goats, 135 horses, 720 donkeys, and 2,775 chickens (Berek Woreda Agricultural Office Report 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. The study design\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study employed a qualitative research approach to gather relevant information about the under-investigated issue. In terms of study design, the researchers utilized a phenomenological research design, which enabled them to interpret and narrate the participants' perceptions, feelings, and beliefs regarding the essence of agriculture and their engagement in it (Maxwell, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1996\u003c/span\u003e). This design was chosen to uncover the daily experiences of the target population concerning the reasons and perceptions of youth engagement in agriculture (Groenewald, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, it aimed to understand the socio-economic conditions and challenges faced by youth involved in agriculture. The qualitative approach was specifically employed to gain a clear understanding of the reasons why youth choose to engage in agriculture, from initial prospects to changes and market access. Furthermore, it was utilized to explore problems or challenges such as land accessibility, government negligence, availability of agricultural inputs, access to credit, livestock disease, and issues related to knowledge and motivation. Finally, this approach was used to illustrate the socio-economic conditions, including income, education, and perceptions among youth regarding engagement in the agricultural sector.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3. Participants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study was primarily conducted in \u003cem\u003eGirar Kebele (Berek Woreda)\u003c/em\u003e, located in the Semen Showa zone of the Oromia national regional state, approximately 38 km from the capital city of Addis Ababa. According to the report obtained from the \u003cem\u003eWoreda\u003c/em\u003e Bureau (2022), the total population of the \u003cem\u003eworeda\u003c/em\u003e is 77,803, with 39,318 males and 38,485 females. Among them, 13,259 individuals are engaged in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, in 1991, the youth constituted a significant portion of the population involved in agriculture. Among the 22 \u003cem\u003ekebeles\u003c/em\u003e within \u003cem\u003eBerek Woreda, Girar Kebele\u003c/em\u003e has a comparatively larger population. The total population of this specific rural \u003cem\u003ekebele\u003c/em\u003e administration is 3,599, with 1,819 males and 1,780 females. The \u003cem\u003ekebele\u003c/em\u003e administration is primarily known for animal rearing, and a majority of the population earns their livelihoods through dairy farming.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSince the study employed a qualitative approach, the participants for the selected sample were recruited using judgmental or purposive sampling. This sampling technique was designed to identify and select individuals who could provide conclusive information about the study objectives and issues. The inclusion criteria encompassed youth aged between 15 and 24, as specified by the United Nations (2022), who had resided in the \u003cem\u003ekebele\u003c/em\u003e for more than five years. Individuals with physical impairments and disabilities that prevented their engagement in the agricultural sector were excluded from the study. Additionally, individuals who had spent less than six months in the selected \u003cem\u003ekebele\u003c/em\u003e were also excluded from the study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4. Data Collection Procedure and Instruments\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study obtained approval from the Wolkite University Institutional Review Board Committee (004/16/WKUCSSHIRB). The data collection procedure began after the researchers obtained informed consent from the participants (youths), which was provided in a written and signed document by the Wolkite University Research Directorate and the Department of Sociology. To ensure data credibility, the researchers read the informed consent to participants with literacy problems and provided the document to those who were literate, asking for their willingness to provide the required information related to the study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConfidentiality was ensured by allowing participants the freedom to decline signing the informed consent if they were uncomfortable with the overall purpose of the study. Identifiable information about the participants was avoided, and pseudonyms were used to ensure participant anonymity. The investigators-initiated data collection by evaluating the outlined exclusion and inclusion criteria. Data collection took place from September 2021 to April 2022.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwo instruments of data collection were employed in the research: in-depth interviews and key-informant interviews. In-depth interviews were primarily conducted with youths aged 15\u0026ndash;25, as defined by the United Nations (2022) youth definition. This instrument was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and its ability to gather detailed and in-depth information to achieve the study objectives. Using purposive sampling, 25 participants from \u003cem\u003eGirar Kebele\u003c/em\u003e were included. The interview questions were open-ended, avoiding double-barrelled questions that contain multiple contents in a single question. An interview guide and checklist were prepared prior to the interviews. Data from the participants were obtained using field tape recorders and note-taking. Each participant was allocated 25 minutes for a one-on-one interview. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e provides a summary of the participants' profiles, including their code, sex, age, date of the interview, occupation, educational attainment, and residing kebele.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemographic profile of in-depth interview participants from Girar Kebele (September 2021\u0026ndash;April 2022).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCode of informants\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarital Status\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducational level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOccupation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDate of interview\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade Ten\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 Sep. 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade 8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 Sep. 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade 10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 Sep. 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade 12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19 Sep. 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade 8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19 Sep. 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade 12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19 Sep. 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade 12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e03 Oct.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-8.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade 11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e03 Oct.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade-8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e03 Oct.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade-11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e05 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade- 9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e05 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade-6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e05 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBasic Education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e08 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIlliterate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e08 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBasic Education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e08 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade-9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade-9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade-5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIlliterate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIlliterate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade-12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 Nov.2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTechnical \u0026amp; Vocational Education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e05 Jan. 2022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCollege Diploma\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e05 Jan. 2022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e05 Jan. 2022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCollege Diploma\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e07 Jan. 2022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGK-25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade-11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e04 Feb. 2022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOn the other hand, the key-informant interview was also used as a means of data collection. It consisted of agriculture and natural resource office experts and local elders as key informants. This was done to validate the information that was collected from different sources through triangulation. The researchers contacted eight key informants from the selected area's bureau or officials. Before conducting interviews with the youths engaged in agriculture and key informants such as agriculture and natural resource office experts and local elders, rapport was established to gain their trust and confidence. An interview checklist was utilized to guide the in-depth interviews with the informants. This checklist comprehensively covers essential questions that should be addressed during the interview (refer to Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemographic profile of the key-informants in Girar Kebele (September 2021 to April 2022). .\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eID\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducation attended\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOccupation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDate of interview\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKIP1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGirar Kebele\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCan\u0026rsquo;t read \u0026amp; write\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYouths who works in the dairy farming\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 September 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKIP2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGirar Kebele\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiploma in Animal Production and Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBerek Woreda agricultural and natural office experts\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 September 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKIP3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGirar Kebele\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBachelor of Arts\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBerek Woreda agricultural and natural office experts\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 October 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKIP4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGirar Kebele\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBachelor of Arts\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBerek Woreda agricultural and natural office experts\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 October 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKIP5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGirar Kebele\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiploma in Crop Production and Management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBerek Woreda agricultural and natural office experts\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15 December 2021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKIP6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGirar Kebele\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBachelor of Arts Degree\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBerek Woreda agricultural and natural office experts\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 January 2022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKIP7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGirar Kebele\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaster of Science\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAgriculture and development office\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14 January 2022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKIP8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGirar Kebele\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrade 7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eElder in the animal farmings\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 February 2022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.5 Data analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData from interviews and observations was analysed in six steps using a deductive theme analysis approach (Braun \u0026amp; Clarke, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e). The following actions were included in the analysis: First, familiarize ourselves with the data. This comprised data transcription and translation into English, as well as reading and re-reading the data. Two, generate the starting codes. Initial codes were developed by systematically coding noteworthy characteristics of the data across the full data set while keeping the stated objectives in mind. Then, for each code, data extracts were compiled. Three: explore themes. The themes were looked for throughout the full data collection. This stage mostly consisted of categorizing codes into prospective themes and collecting all data related to each potential subject. In this stage, the analyst tried to think about the link between codes, themes, and degrees of themes. Four: Review and refine your themes and sub-themes. Fifth, write a report. The report was divided into two sections: analysis and discussion. The analyst's narrative and illustrated data extracts are included in the analysis section.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis section provides a detailed description of the information obtained from the three data collection instruments used in the study: in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and key-informant interviews. The findings of other scholars were also triangulated with the study's own findings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA total of 25 interviewees from different age groups engaged in the agricultural sector, along with eight key informants who were experts working in agricultural offices, participated in the study. Among the key informants, five were from the Berek Woreda agriculture and natural resource office, one was a Gerar Kebele agricultural development worker, one was a youth involved in dairy farming, one was a local elder engaged in animal farming, and the other two were youths involved in crop farming.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study adhered to the United Nations (2022) definition of youth (ages 15\u0026ndash;25). The inclusion of respondents from various age groups engaged in different agricultural activities and possessing different expertise aimed to crosscheck and validate the data obtained from different observation units. This approach was undertaken based on the belief that gathering information from diverse sources provides valid and comprehensive insights into the investigated issue.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1. Reasons that motivate the youths to engage in the agricultural sectors\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eVarious scholars have provided reasons why the agricultural sector offers opportunities for youth engagement in agriculture (Bezu \u0026amp; Holden, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Swarts \u0026amp; Aliber, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; White, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). However, based on the information obtained from the respondents, this study identified four major themes as the primary reasons for youth engagement in agricultural activities in Gerar Kebele. These themes include the prospect of change, access to the market, ease of joining the sector, and environmental conduciveness.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.1. Prospect to Change\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo realize the prospect for change by agriculture for the youth, it is crucial to invest in youth-centered policies, access to finance, vocational training, mentorship, and supportive infrastructure (Abro et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). By recognizing and harnessing the potential of young people in agriculture, societies can ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for the sector while addressing pressing global challenges such as food security, rural development, and environmental sustainability (Abro et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). According to the information obtained from the interviewees, the main factor that attracted them to participate in the agricultural sector, particularly dairy farming, was the promising prospect of change. Based on the responses from interviewees #1 and #2, numerous individuals have transformed their lives through involvement in dairy farming. They have been able to purchase houses in cities, cars, accumulate substantial amounts of money in banks, and overall, enjoy a better quality of life due to the income generated from these activities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimilarly, one of the key informants who is currently engaged in dairy farming described his hope for change when he joined the sector as follows:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"I have been involved in dairy farming since 2013, right after completing grade ten. Instead of pursuing further education, I made the decision to join and engage in this activity due to its promising prospects for bringing about positive change and leading a better life. Witnessing the transformation of many individuals in our kebele who achieved significant improvements through dairy farming served as my inspiration to participate in this particular agricultural endeavor. I had high expectations of gaining substantial benefits from dairy farming. My plan was to use the income I generated from this activity to purchase a house and open a shop in the nearby town, just like many of the successful farmers in our community\" (KIP 1).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe prospect of change in dairy farming attracted the interviewees to engage in the sector, as they witnessed others who achieved a better life through increased income, purchasing assets, and improving their standard of living. As Adekola et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e) indicate, Engaging youth in agriculture can create new economic opportunities, both in rural and urban areas. By promoting innovative farming practices, entrepreneurship, and value-added activities, agriculture can generate sustainable income and employment for young people. They saw dairy farming as a pathway to economic improvement and desired a similar positive transformation in their own lives.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.2. Access to Market\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccess to markets motivates youth to engage in agriculture by providing them with opportunities to sell their produce, generate income, and establish sustainable livelihoods (Adesina \u0026amp; Favour, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). It offers a platform for youth to showcase their agricultural products, connect with buyers, and participate in value chains, thereby enhancing their economic prospects and encouraging their active involvement in the agricultural sector (Adesina \u0026amp; Favour, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Adekola et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). The key informants, including experts from the Berek Woreda agriculture and natural resource office, as well as the agricultural development worker from the \u003cem\u003ekebele\u003c/em\u003e (KIP 2 and 3), revealed that \u003cem\u003eGerar Kebele\u003c/em\u003e is renowned for supplying dairy products to Addis Ababa more than any other \u003cem\u003ekebele\u003c/em\u003e in the \u003cem\u003eBerek Woreda\u003c/em\u003e. This is primarily attributed to its close proximity to the city, which allows producers to easily transport their products to the market at a lower cost. The convenience of this proximity enables farmers to deliver their dairy products easily and at a reduced expense to the nearby city. Consequently, it becomes evident that market accessibility serves as a significant motivating factor for the youth in Gerar Kebele to engage in agricultural activities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne of the interviewed youths involved in milk production elaborates on the situation of market accessibility as follows:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eTo be honest, having easy access to a market for my produce is crucial for me to sustain and remain involved in this farming activity. I ensure a smooth supply of my products without any obstacles. As mentioned earlier, my focus is on milk production, primarily for commercial purposes. Milk is a highly perishable commodity, and without convenient market access, we would be unable to realize the anticipated benefits. Fortunately, due to the kebele's proximity to Addis Ababa, where there is a high demand for milk products, marketing our goods is not a problem. In fact, even business organizations come to our locality to purchase what we produce (in-depth interview #3).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsistent with the findings of Adesina \u0026amp; Favour (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e) and Berhanu and Poulton (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e), this article emphasizes that easy market accessibility is crucial for youth engaged in agriculture, specifically for perishable goods like milk production. Proximity to high-demand areas, such as Addis Ababa, ensures a stable market, enabling youth to derive benefits from their agricultural activities while avoiding product spoilage.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.3. Easiness of the Sector to Join\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the available studies conducted in the area, it is evident that in developing and impoverished countries like Ethiopia, agriculture is considered the most accessible sector for rural individuals to enter and engage in (Bezu \u0026amp; Holden, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). The data obtained from in-depth interviews with participants #4 and #5 corroborate this finding, as they mentioned the relative ease of joining and working in the agricultural sector as one of the reasons they were drawn to it. Moreover, the interviewees emphasized that agricultural activities do not necessarily require specialized knowledge and can be managed using the skills they have acquired through experience. Consequently, many of the respondents stated that they rely on the knowledge passed down from their families and the local community, rather than formal education, to conduct their agricultural activities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe two brothers who are currently involved in crop farming activities, as described in the study conducted in Kebele, provided the following account:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eWe have been engaged in crop farming activities since 2014, after discontinuing our education in grades ten and seven. Initially, we didn't have our own farmland, so we began working on our family's land. Eventually, we were granted a parcel of land from our family, becoming landowners ourselves. At that point, we started cultivating teff, wheat, and barley for our own consumption on our own land. Given that we easily acquired the land from our father and had prior farming experience with him, joining the sector was straightforward for us. However, due to the limited size of our land, we only produce enough for subsistence. This is the situation faced by most young farmers in our area (in-depth interviews #6 and #7).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn line with the ease of joining the sector, the other informant involved in dairy farming activity expressed the following sentiment:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eIn our culture, when a man gets married and establishes his own household, it is customary for the family to provide him with a piece of land and cattle, the number of which is determined by the economic status of the family. In line with this tradition, when I got married in 2015, my father gave me two milk cows and half a hectare of farmland. Since then, I have been actively involved in dairy farming, and currently, I have two cows and two calves. Drawing from the experience passed down by my family, I found it relatively easy to manage this activity. Additionally, the close proximity of our kebele to Addis Ababa eliminated any difficulties in continuing with this endeavor. As a result, I am now fully engaged in this activity, with a significant portion of the products I produce intended for the market rather than household consumption. Overall, I encountered no major challenges in pursuing this specific agricultural activity (in-depth interviews #8 and #9).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings, similar to Bezu \u0026amp; Holden (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e), assert that while young farmers in the locality express enthusiasm and involvement in agriculture, they face several challenges. These challenges include limited access to land, insufficient capital, market constraints, lack of agricultural knowledge, climate change impacts, and limited support services (Schmidt \u0026amp; Bekele, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions and supportive policies is crucial to empower young farmers, enhance their productivity, and ensure the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in the locality.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.4. The Environment Conduciveness\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA conducive environment in agriculture serves as a motivating factor for individuals to engage in the sector (Resilience, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Sitawa, 2016). Factors such as supportive policies, resource accessibility, market opportunities, and favorable climatic conditions contribute to creating an enabling environment that encourages people to participate in agricultural activities, thereby fostering increased productivity and economic growth within the sector. The Berek Woreda and Girar Kebele, as confirmed by experts and the land development office (KIP 4 and 7), disclosed that 60% of the woreda's landscape falls within the sub-tropical zone, while the remaining 40% lies within the tropical zone. This distribution is considered highly favorable for both crop farming and animal husbandry. Correspondingly, the Kebele under investigation receives adequate rainfall, ranging between 970 and 1250 mm, and experiences optimal temperatures conducive to agricultural pursuits, aligning with its geographical location. Based on statistical data and observations, it is evident that the kebele is situated in the highland region, with its residents primarily engaged in mixed farming and showing a particular inclination towards animal husbandry. Consequently, the favourable environmental conditions serve as one of the reasons why young individuals opt to engage in agriculture. This notion is supported by a statement provided by one of the experts from the agriculture and natural resource office:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eOur woreda offers a highly favorable environment for agricultural activities, benefiting from excellent weather conditions that include sufficient rainfall, favorable temperatures, and flat farmland. Consequently, it presents promising opportunities for young individuals to engage in both animal farming and crop cultivation, with the potential for success. Among the 22 kebeles in the woreda, Gerar kebele stands out for its renowned dairy products, as it possesses ample grazing land compared to other kebeles. Moreover, the kebele has access to byproducts such as teff, wheat, and barley, which serve as feed for the animals, further enhancing its reputation in these agricultural products (Key Informant #5).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe conducive environment in terms of supportive policies, resource access, market opportunities, and favourable climatic conditions in Berek Woreda and Girar Kebele motivates youth to engage in agriculture. The availability of adequate rainfall, optimal temperature, and fertile land in the region, combined with a focus on mixed farming and dairy production, provide promising prospects for the youth in the agricultural sector (Abro et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.2. Problems with the Agricultural sector for the Youth\u0026rsquo;s\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study successfully portrayed the major challenges hindering youth (aged 15\u0026ndash;25) from engaging in agricultural activities. Extensive efforts were made by the researchers to present and describe these obstacles in the agricultural sector, based on the data obtained from the interviewees. The identified challenges include land inaccessibility, lack of necessary government support, expensive agricultural inputs, insufficient agricultural knowledge, livestock diseases, imbalance between the cost of agricultural inputs and agricultural products, as well as a lack of interest and motivation among youth to participate in the sector. These findings highlight the significant barriers that young individuals face when attempting to enter the agricultural field.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.1 Land Inaccessibility\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eLand is the most crucial asset for working in the agricultural sector. Both crop and animal farming activities cannot be conducted without land, especially the former (Adekola et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). As indicated by the data gathered from the respondents, land inaccessibility poses a significant challenge for youth engagement and participation in the agricultural sector, both within Berek woreda as a whole and specifically in Gerar kebele. The ownership of grazing and farmland predominantly rests with adults and elders, making it difficult for the youth to secure land for agricultural purposes. Consequently, a majority of the young individuals in the woreda, including Gerar kebele, rely on working on their family's land or renting land from those who are unable to cultivate their own due to various factors such as a lack of household labor force or the high cost of agricultural inputs. These challenges were highlighted by one of the key informants, an expert in agriculture and natural resources from Berek Woreda, who narrated the situation as follows:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eIn our village, young individuals actively participate in both crop farming and animal husbandry. However, the primary challenge they face in engaging in these activities is the lack of access to land. The majority of the available farmland is already occupied by the elderly population, resulting in limited land tenure opportunities for the youth. A significant number of young people involved in agriculture do not possess their own land plots, compelling them to rely on rented land. The average landholding in the woreda stands at 1.5 hectares per household, which is insufficient to accommodate the aspirations of children interested in farming activities. Consequently, the youth inherit fragmented land that is inadequate for establishing a family and leading a prosperous life. This issue has led to a sense of hopelessness among the youth, despite their strong motivation to work in the agricultural sector (Key Informant #8).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eContinuing on the same topic, one of the youth informants expressed their perspective concerning the problem of land inaccessibility in Gerar kebele as follows:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eCurrently, I am involved in both crop farming and animal husbandry, despite not having ownership of any farm or grazing land. I rely heavily on rented land to carry out these activities. However, due to the lack of access to grazing and farmland, I am compelled to purchase fodder for my dairy cows at a high cost. This is because the crop residues obtained from the rented and fragmented land are insufficient to adequately feed them. To be honest, if I had either a farm or grazing land, I would not face the challenge of obtaining fodder for my cows. In essence, the issue of land inaccessibility serves as the root cause of various other problems in my farming endeavors (in-depth interview #10).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, land inaccessibility is one of the major constraints facing the youth respondents' desire to work in the agricultural sector. In the same vein, the findings of Thebe (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e) revealed that land inaccessibility poses a significant constraint to the youth respondents' aspirations to work in the agricultural sector. The limited availability of land hinders their ability to engage in farming activities and realize their potential in agriculture.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2. Negligible Government Support\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eGovernment support is an important motivating factor for the youth to engage in different sectors, including agriculture (Shikur, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). The success of youth engaged in agriculture is partly influenced by government support, alongside other constant factors. However, according to in-depth interviews #11, #12, and #13, it became evident that the government has not effectively fulfilled its role in supporting the youth within the sector. Specifically, the government has failed to provide essential agricultural inputs and financial assistance to the youth, such as credit facilities, cost-effective agricultural inputs, youth-oriented training programs, and well-trained agricultural development professionals. The interviewees expressed their disappointment and frustration, noting that despite the time spent in the area, they have received no support from government stakeholders and responsible entities. They emphasized that discussions and photo sessions with the community are conducted without providing the necessary support, as these interactions seem to be focused on generating reports rather than addressing the collective welfare of the community.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.3. Scarce in Agricultural Inputs\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe affordability of agricultural inputs is one of the determinants of success and profitability in the agricultural sector (Shikur, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). In accordance with this, the in-depth interviewees #14 and #15, who are actively involved in the agricultural sector, highlighted the significant financial burden caused by the high cost of agricultural inputs. They expressed their discouragement as they have to allocate a substantial portion of their production income towards purchasing expensive items such as fertilizers, improved seeds, pesticides, basic farm machinery, and other essential inputs. Consequently, young individuals engaged in the sector face challenges in achieving success, with a significant portion of their produce being used for subsistence and to cover the costs of agricultural inputs. According to their accounts, these issues arise from the lack of sufficient support from the government towards agriculture in general and the youth involved in agriculture specifically, including the provision of necessary agricultural inputs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne of the respondents, a 25-year-old youth engaged in crop farming in Gerar kebele, described the situation as follows:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eAs you are aware, the expenses associated with agricultural inputs are exceedingly high. Even if we manage to secure land through renting or from our families, affording the cost of these inputs becomes incredibly challenging. For instance, a quintal of fertilizer costs 1700 Ethiopian birr, while the price range for a quintal of improved seed is between 1900 and 2300 Ethiopian birr. The cost of other inputs is similarly exorbitant. Unfortunately, we have not received any support from the government, which means we are compelled to purchase these inputs at the same high prices as affluent farmers, as there are no subsidies provided. Even if we somehow manage to afford the cost of inputs, we are unable to obtain a sufficient return on our investment. The expenses we incur in production outweigh the profits we generate, resulting in financial losses. Consequently, the steep costs of agricultural inputs act as a discouragement for beginners looking to engage in the sector. Speaking for myself, if the government does not take meaningful action to motivate and support us, I see no hope for continuing in this line of work in the future (in-depth interviewee #16).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, the high cost of agricultural inputs and the lack of government support and subsidies act as significant deterrents to youth engagement in the agricultural sector in Gerar Kebele. The financial burden imposed by expensive inputs, including fertilizers, improved seeds, and pesticides, leads to minimal profitability for young farmers. Without interventions to tackle these challenges and provide the necessary support, youth respondents express a lack of hope and motivation to sustain their involvement in agriculture. Addressing the affordability of inputs and implementing supportive policies are crucial to encourage and empower the youth to pursue successful agricultural careers in Gerar Kebele.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.4. Access to Credit\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccess to credit poses a significant challenge for youth engagement in agriculture. Limited financial resources and lack of collateral often make it difficult for young farmers to secure loans or credit from traditional financial institutions (Thebe, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). This hampers their ability to invest in farming inputs, machinery, and infrastructure, ultimately limiting their productivity and growth in the agricultural sector (Udemezue, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Financial capital is also crucial for obtaining other essential assets such as land and agricultural inputs like fertilizers, which play a crucial role in engaging in agricultural activities. However, information gathered from in-depth interview #17 revealed that the government has not established a suitable financial institution that offers financial services with minimal interest rates as an incentive to youth involved in the agricultural sector within the kebele. The existing microfinance institutions provide loans to all individuals in the kebele at the same interest rate, further exacerbating the situation. Additionally, these institutions require collateral, which is unaffordable for youth. Consequently, the lack of access to finance in the kebele compounds the challenges faced by youth engaged in the agricultural sector.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA 22-year-old youth involved in dairy farming from the kebele shared the following insights regarding this issue:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eAs a youth, I have not gotten any meaningful cooperation from the government side in terms of credit access. There are no financial institutions that lend us money at a low interest rate. We are forced to borrow with a high interest rate, which didn\u0026rsquo;t make us successful in the sector because no incentives (credit with a low interest rate) have been provided by the government (in-depth interview #18).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, one of the respondents from the Agriculture and Development Office (KIP #8) confirmed the government's inability to furnish credit facilities for youths at a discounted interest rate. His perspective on this matter is expressed as follows:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eAs an expert in the woreda, I am well aware of the government's support for youth involved in the agricultural sector. Previously, the government offered interest-free credit to youths, both those already engaged in the sector and those interested in joining. This support was provided through a revolving fund mechanism known as the \"revolve fund.\" However, currently, this fund has been discontinued, and the government no longer provides any special financial assistance to youth. Consequently, the absence of both revolving funds and access to credit at low interest rates for youth in the kebele has become a discouraging factor for those currently involved in the sector and for those who have an interest in pursuing agricultural activities.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe lack of suitable financial institutions and access to credit with low-interest rates is a significant obstacle to youth engagement in agriculture in the kebele. As described by Udemezue (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), existing microfinance institutions do not offer specialized loans for young farmers and often require collateral that they cannot provide. The discontinuation of the government's revolving fund, which previously provided interest-free credit, further exacerbates the problem. The absence of financial support and incentives hinders the success of youth in agriculture and discourages their participation in the sector. To address this issue, it is necessary to establish youth-focused financial institutions and reintroduce specialized credit facilities with affordable interest rates, empowering young farmers in the kebele.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cem\u003e3.2.5. Livestock Disease\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eLivestock disease poses a significant challenge for youth engagement in agriculture. Disease outbreaks can lead to the loss of livestock, reduced productivity, and financial setbacks for young farmers (White, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). The high cost of veterinary services and treatments further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for youth to afford necessary healthcare for their livestock (White, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, the lack of knowledge and access to information about disease prevention and management can hinder their ability to effectively protect their animals. Based on the data gathered from youth informants in Gerar Kebele, livestock diseases have emerged as a significant challenge that limits their involvement in dairy farming. The youth participants who are engaged in beef and dairy farming express deep disappointment regarding this issue.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne of the youth respondents, currently involved in dairy farming, described the impact of livestock diseases on his activities in the following manner:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eIn our dairy farming activities, we have encountered various challenges. However, none have been as devastating as animal diseases, which have the potential to bring us to the brink of failure overnight. Among the livestock diseases, the one that significantly affects the normal functioning of cows' udders is particularly noticeable and dreadful in our kebele. Additionally, there is a livestock disease known as \"foot and mouth disease\" or \"qabbanna.\" Furthermore, a severe livestock disease caused by calcium deficiency poses a grave threat to milk cows during delivery, as it weakens their bones and can lead to immediate death if not promptly treated with the appropriate medication. The gravity of these issues is further exacerbated by the absence or shortage of medications. We face difficulties in accessing them as they are not readily available in government drug stores. Even if we manage to find them in private veterinary drug stores, the prices are often too high for us to afford. Due to these complex and unresolved issues surrounding medication shortages and limited access, we constantly worry about how to obtain calcium for our cows during calving. The loss of our valuable cows' lives is a genuine concern if we are unable to acquire this medication (in-depth interviewee #19).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe finding revelled that the youth engaged in dairy farming in Gerar Kebele face significant challenges due to livestock diseases. The impact of these diseases on milk cow breasts, the presence of \"foot and mouth disease\" or \"qabbanna,\" and a severe disease caused by calcium deficiency during delivery were highlighted as particularly concerning. The lack of availability and accessibility of medications in government drug stores, along with the high cost of purchasing from private veterinary drug stores, further compounds the issue (Thomson, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). The limited access to remedies for livestock diseases raises concerns among youth farmers about the health and survival of their cows, posing a risk to their farming activities and the loss of valuable livestock.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.2.6. Imbalance between Cost of Agricultural Inputs and Price of Agricultural Products\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe imbalance between the cost of agricultural inputs and the price of agricultural products in the market is also considered one of the big challenges facing youth interviewees who engaged in agricultural activities in the study area (Thomson, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). The majority of the interview participants expressed those agricultural inputs, including livestock fodder, pesticides, livestock medication, fertilizer, improved seeds, and more, are excessively expensive. On the other hand, agricultural products such as dairy products and cereals are sold at very low prices, as the buyers dictate the prices rather than the producers. Consequently, the income generated from the sale of agricultural products is insufficient to cover the costs incurred for inputs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA 20-year-old interviewee described the imbalance between the cost of agricultural inputs and the price of agricultural products in the following manner:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eCurrently, my primary engagement is in dairy farming, and I also practice crop farming for personal consumption. However, the situation of dairy farming in our kebele is disheartening as the costs of inputs and animal feeds continue to rise. We are compelled to purchase livestock medication and fodder at exorbitant prices. For instance, a 50-kilogram bag of fodder costs 350.00 Ethiopian birr, which only feeds two cows for a day. Additionally, the cost of medication for our cows is prohibitively high since we have no choice but to buy from private suppliers due to the government's failure to provide these medications. The medication known as 'Calcium,' which we administer to cows once a week, is priced between 1300\u0026ndash;1600 Ethiopian birr at private veterinary drug stores, whereas the normal price is 300.00 Ethiopian birr. Despite the steep cost, we are left with no alternative but to purchase this calcium at an exorbitant price to ensure the health of our cows; otherwise, we risk losing them. On the other hand, we face the challenge of selling our dairy products at low prices set by buyers. For example, a liter of milk is sold to business organizations like \"Shola,\" a milk supplier organization, for 10\u0026ndash;13 Ethiopian birr. The prices set by buyers do not consider our production costs, and if we attempt to increase the price to reflect our expenses, we lose customers. Business organizations, such as \"Shola,\" have well-established networks with other customers, allowing them to dictate the price of milk solely in their favor. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that if we refuse to sell our products to one business organization, other organizations are reluctant to buy from us as they have already established partnerships with similar businesses. They collectively turn against us and shift their attention to other farmers, leaving us with no choice but to sell at the price they have imposed upon us. In general, we, the dairy farmers, do not benefit from our hard work; instead, it is the business organizations to which we supply our products that reap the rewards. Currently, we are enduring significant hardships due to the imbalance between the costs of agricultural inputs and the prices of agricultural products in the market (in-depth interviewee #22).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.7. Lack of Adequate Knowledge of Agriculture\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026hellip;The cattle adopt you and you adopt the cattle\u0026hellip;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data collected from the youth interviewees in Gerar Kebele and the agricultural experts in Berek Woereda reveal that a lack of sufficient agricultural knowledge among the youth is another significant challenge. Agricultural knowledge, acquired through formal education and practical experience, is a crucial factor in predicting success in the sector. The in-depth interviews with participants #20 and #21 highlight that the youths in the Kebele lack the necessary knowledge in agriculture, particularly in terms of formal education that could contribute to their success in agricultural activities. The interview data also indicates that the agricultural knowledge of the youth, when engaged in farming, is primarily based on experiences passed down from their families and the local community rather than formal education. Consequently, the youth interviewees lack the scientific knowledge required for achieving success in farming activities, emphasizing the need for further training to excel in the sector.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding this issue, one of the key informants (KIP 7) from the Gerar Kebele agricultural development worker provided the following descriptions:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe youth in this kebele do not rely on scientific knowledge when it comes to conducting various farming activities. Instead, they solely depend on the knowledge passed down to them by their families and the community. Even when we make an effort to impart agricultural knowledge supported by scientific evidence, they are unwilling to accept it. They dismiss our mentoring activities and do not give us a chance. Moreover, they don't believe that we possess superior scientific-based agricultural knowledge compared to their own. In general, the point I want to emphasize is that the youth in this kebele lack sufficient scientific-based agricultural knowledge, which hinders their success in farming activities.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn addition, a youth interviewee of the \u003cem\u003ekebele\u003c/em\u003e who is currently engaging in crop farming has stated the following in relation to his knowledge of agriculture:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eTo be honest, I don't believe I possess sufficient agricultural knowledge. My approach is mostly based on experience since I haven't received formal education in the field. Occasionally, agricultural development workers provide us with training and guidance on how to conduct our farming activities, but it is often inadequate, and we don't fully embrace their teachings. The knowledge imparted by these workers doesn't always align with the realities we face, and it is not efficient in terms of time and cost. For instance, the recommended practice of sowing teff in a straight line is inefficient in terms of time, fertilizer requirements, and labor consumption. Therefore, it's challenging for us to accept and implement all the advice given by development workers. Instead, we continue to rely on our usual methods that are based on experience (in-depth interviewee #23).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the data presented above, it can be concluded that the youth interviewees in Gerar Kebele, who are involved in agricultural activities, lack sufficient scientific agricultural knowledge necessary for success in farming. Despite the government's efforts to provide scientific agricultural knowledge, the youth are unwilling to accept and implement it in practice.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.8. Lack of Motivation and Interest\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother challenge that youth encounter when engaging in agriculture and striving for success is a lack of interest and motivation. The interview data indicates that youths exhibit greater interest and inclination towards working in sectors other than agriculture.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA 15-year-old interviewee from the Berek Wereda agricultural and natural resource office shared the following data regarding this matter:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe youth in the woreda exhibit no interest or motivation to work in the agricultural sector due to the perceived hard work and tedium associated with it. Instead, they prefer migrating to cities and seeking employment as daily laborers in factories and companies, rather than pursuing a career as farmers. In their quest for better job opportunities, a considerable number of youths frequently migrate to nearby towns and cities from the woreda. This lack of interest and motivation among the youth to work in the agricultural sector can be attributed to some extent. It is worth noting that despite the government's promises to create a conducive environment for youths interested in engaging in the agricultural sector, this issue remains prevalent (in-depth interviewee #23).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3. Socio-Economic Conditions of Youths\u0026rsquo;\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocio-economic factors encompass various aspects of lifestyle, financial viability, and social standing (Magagula \u0026amp; Tsvakirai, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). They directly impact social privileges and levels of financial independence, and sociologists study factors such as employment, health status, income, environment, and education to understand their influence on human behaviour and circumstances (Magagula \u0026amp; Tsvakirai, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis section aims to comprehend and describe the socio-economic conditions of youth in Gerar Kebele. Being a rural kebele, the statistical data indicates that the majority of youths in this community are involved in mixed farming activities. From observations and interviews, it is evident that most youths are not in a favourable economic condition, primarily due to limited access to land. The majority of Gerar Kebele residents do not have sufficient land to cultivate beyond subsistence farming on their family plots. In this context, the researchers have focused on describing the socio-economic conditions of youths based on two main parameters, namely income and education, among others.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4.1. Income\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIncome refers to the earnings individuals receive from various economic activities, including agriculture, employment, business, or investments. Net income directly influences the financial capacity of individuals or families to meet their expenses. It plays a crucial role in determining the choices and living conditions of families. Individuals living close to the poverty line often have to prioritize one necessity over another, such as choosing between medicine and food (Galor \u0026amp; Zeira, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1993\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to the interviews conducted, the youth interviewees in Gerar Kebele had very low-income levels, primarily due to their limited access to land, which hampers their ability to generate higher income. Consequently, they face challenges in meeting their basic needs, particularly during periods that are not associated with harvest. In alignment with the preceding paragraphs, one interviewee provides the following description of the condition of youth in Gerar Kebele:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eDue to our limited land for cultivation, we encounter significant income-related challenges, even when it comes to meeting our basic needs. As an example, I personally own a single local cow and work on my family's land. However, the produce from this plot is solely used for subsistence, and the income generated is meager. We only receive a small amount of money from selling a few liters of milk each day. In general, the income we earn as a family is minimal and fragmented, which applies to individual youths as well (in-depth interviewee #23).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis impedes their ability to generate higher incomes and poses difficulties in meeting basic needs, particularly during non-harvest periods. The testimonies of the interviewees, such as one individual who mentioned their meagre earnings from working on their family's land and owning a single local cow, highlight the extent of the issue. The youth in Gerar Kebele experience minimal and fragmented income, impacting not only their individual prospects but also the well-being of their families. Addressing these challenges and finding solutions to enhance land access and income opportunities for the youth in rural areas are crucial steps towards promoting sustainable development and improving livelihoods in the community (Thebe, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4.2. Education\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducation serves as a key indicator of the socio-economic status within a society or group. Numerous social science scholars concur that educational attainment directly correlates with the income level of a specific community (Thomson, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Based on this understanding, an effort was made to determine the educational status of the interviewees. Consequently, it was found that almost all participating youths (across five education levels) had completed up to grade 10. The interview data indicates that the low educational status of the youth significantly influences their overall engagement in agricultural activities and, more specifically, their income level.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen discussing the state of education and agriculture, one of our interviewees made the following statement:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eI discontinued my education after completing grade 8. Consequently, I lack any formal scientific knowledge on agricultural practices. As a result, I engage in agricultural activities using traditional methods or relying on the skills passed down to me by my father. However, if I had received adequate education in agriculture, I believe I could generate a higher income by implementing modern farming techniques (in-depth interviewee #24).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, based on the statement above, we can infer that an individual's education level directly impacts agricultural productivity. Individuals with a higher educational background are more likely to readily adopt modern farming techniques introduced by agricultural development workers (Thomson, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the strategic frameworks of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the period 2022\u0026ndash;2031 aims to promote the active involvement of youth in agriculture. The organization recognizes the importance of providing better economic opportunities and reducing poverty, especially in developing nations, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2030. In line with this, the present study focuses on exploring the positive energy and participation of youth in the agricultural sector in Berek Woreda, located in the North Showa Zone of the Oromia National Regional State. Furthermore, the study has specific objectives, which include: (a) understanding the motivating factors that drive youth engagement in the agricultural sector, (b) identifying the challenges faced by youth in their agricultural pursuits, and (c) investigating the current socio-economic conditions, particularly in terms of income and education, of the youth involved in agriculture.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen considering the reasons that encourage youth to engage in the agricultural sector in the study area, several factors stand out. Firstly, the potential for a promising future and the prospect of a good life plays a significant role. Additionally, the proximity and easy access to marketplaces, along with the favourable environmental conditions of the study area, contribute to the appeal. These findings align with previous studies conducted by Adesina \u0026amp; Favour (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e) and Bezu \u0026amp; Holden (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e), which highlight that youth in developing countries, including Ethiopia, are motivated to work in agriculture due to its potential to effectively reduce rural poverty within their communities compared to other industries. Furthermore, in line with these findings, facilitating the involvement of the youth cohort in agriculture, particularly in emerging nations, holds great potential for significantly alleviating rural poverty for both adults and children (Schmidt \u0026amp; Bekele, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne of the key findings of this study highlights the challenges and obstacles faced by young individuals in their aspiration to become farmers, contrasting with the motivating factors that drive their involvement in agriculture. Young people residing in rural areas have encountered various hurdles in initiating their farming operations, primarily related to limited access to markets, acquiring land, obtaining agricultural inputs, and accessing banking services. Additionally, youth in the study region face a scarcity of available land for cultivation. Inherited land from parents is often insufficient, restricting their potential to have an adequate amount of arable land. The limited access to land in the study area is identified as a significant barrier, considering that establishing a farm is a primary objective. Supporting this finding, as highlighted by Schmidt \u0026amp; Bekele (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e), it is important to acknowledge that many young individuals in rural areas, aspiring to be farmers, lack access to land due to its limitations unless their parents or the larger community make some available, even if their parents own property. Furthermore, the study's findings indicate that the government's support for the agricultural industry is insufficient on various fronts, discouraging young people from pursuing careers in agriculture and contributing to the development of society (Schmidt \u0026amp; Bekele, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, several other significant factors were cited, including the high cost of agricultural inputs, limited financial access with high-interest rates, and the youth's lack of scientific knowledge in agricultural practices. Specifically pertaining to dairy farming, the prevalence of animal diseases emerged as a serious challenge for youth involved in the agricultural sector. Moreover, a notable deterrent for youth engagement in agriculture and productivity is the lack of motivation. Many young individuals tend to prefer other sectors that require less labor and are perceived as more productive. Supporting these findings, Tarekegn et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) explain how agriculture is often viewed as financially unrewarding, physically and mentally demanding, involving labour in unfavourable conditions such as \"working in the mud and water\" under the sun, and is considered a low-status job by both young people and elder family members (Thebe, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother crucial objective of the study was to assess the socio-economic status of youth farmers in the study area. Socio-economic factors encompass elements of lifestyle and serve as indicators of financial viability and social standing (Filho et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe economic situation, or income generated, by the agricultural sector is notably poor due to the numerous obstacles and challenges mentioned by young farmers in the preceding section. Primarily, their inability to access land in their district directly hampers their ability to earn sufficient revenue from cultivating the land and producing dairy products to sustain their daily lives. In terms of education, youth farmers in the study area are mostly limited to completing primary school or reaching tenth grade. Farmers with a higher level of education are more likely to quickly adopt new technologies, as they have better access to relevant information and can discern the potential success of innovations. Conversely, farmers with lower levels of education often prefer to wait until a new technology has been successfully implemented by their peers or until its benefits have been proven, giving educated farmers an advantage and making the new technology even more appealing and lucrative (Ninh, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Policy Directives and Youth’s Engagement in Agriculture","content":"\u003cp\u003eTo promote sustainable socioeconomic development, it is crucial to encourage the active involvement of youth in the agricultural sector. Due to this reality, numerous developing countries are investing significant resources in enhancing the agricultural sector through the active involvement of their young population (Abro et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). In line with this, the agricultural policies of many developing nations, including Ethiopia, are formulated to empower youth as the driving force behind agricultural productivity and improvement programs (Abro et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Berhanu \u0026amp; Poulton, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). However, achieving this objective is an arduous task, given the multitude of challenges faced by developing nations, and it requires the concerted efforts of various stakeholders, including international organizations dedicated to agricultural development and food security.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInternational organizations actively addressing food security concerns recognize the significant contribution of youth to enhancing the agricultural sector and ultimately ensuring food security. Consequently, these organizations have placed special emphasis on promoting youth engagement in agriculture. The CFS (2022) report emphasizes that young people are crucial in achieving sustainable development, particularly in developing countries where the majority of them reside, often in rural areas. The agro-food sector holds vast untapped employment opportunities for youth. However, limited access to land, natural resources, infrastructure, finance, technology, and knowledge, coupled with inadequate remuneration for agricultural and food workers, dissuade youth from pursuing careers in agriculture and remaining in rural areas (Jaeger \u0026amp; Humphreys, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1988\u003c/span\u003e). Many youths in developing nations perceive migration, either to urban areas or overseas, as their best option. Consequently, efforts are needed to make the agro-food sector more appealing to young people and enhance their capacity to generate income. As a recommendation, the government and relevant authorities should establish specialized financial institutions or programs aimed at providing affordable credit and financial services to young farmers. This can involve offering low-interest loans, grants, and implementing financial literacy programs to empower them to invest in agricultural activities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimilarly, the agricultural policy of the Ethiopian government places significant emphasis on creating a conducive environment for youth participation in the sector (Bezu \u0026amp; Holden, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Despite the government's efforts to set an agenda and establish favourable conditions for youth engagement, practical outcomes that positively impact the lives of individuals in peripheral areas are not readily apparent or visible, except for the youth residing in cities and metropolitan regions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this regard, the government has implemented various initiatives to attract young people to the sector. These include providing micro-credit services, allocating revolving funds, organizing youth participation in selected farming activities, allocating land, offering entrepreneurship training, and deploying agricultural extension workers. However, these measures alone are insufficient to address the underlying challenges faced by communities in achieving sustainable agricultural productivity and development (Tarekegn et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). The persisting problem has become widespread across the entire country (CFS, 2022; Wondimu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Promoting the use of modern agricultural technologies and innovation among young farmers can potentially provide a long-term solution to the problem. This entails training them in the utilization of digital tools, precision farming techniques, and climate-smart practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe most significant challenge lies in the lack of youth interest in engaging in the agricultural sector, despite the government's efforts to create favourable conditions. Data collected from the participants indicates that their aspirations are primarily focused on urban settings, and substantial youth outmigration is not uncommon. However, there is also a failure on the part of the government to effectively implement the policy directives on the ground. Consequently, there are issues pertaining to inadequate follow-up, limited access to credit, insufficient expertise, lack of strong commitment, and a failure to uphold the policy documents on the government's side. This problem could be resolved by providing agricultural education and vocational training programs specifically designed for young people. These programs should focus on teaching modern farming techniques, agribusiness skills, and entrepreneurship to equip them with the necessary knowledge and practical abilities. Additionally, the government should facilitate land access for young farmers through land leasing or redistribution programs. This can be achieved by implementing policies that prioritize land allocation to young farmers and establishing mechanisms to address land fragmentation issues. Countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Brazil have made progress in this area by following the aforementioned approach and successfully implementing initiatives targeting youth in agriculture. Ultimately, each country needs to assess its own context and tailor policies to address the specific needs and challenges faced by its youth population in the agricultural sector.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe main objective of the study was to examine the prospects and challenges faced by rural Ethiopian youth engaged in agriculture, with a specific focus on Gerar Kebele. The study aimed to understand the socio-economic conditions of the youth and the factors that attract or deter them from participating in agriculture. Based on the socio-economic conditions of the youth in the study, those interviewed revealed that they faced poor circumstances due to a lack of necessary assets such as land and finance, which are essential for agricultural activities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe interviewees also highlighted various pull factors that attracted them to the sector, including better prospects for change, market accessibility, ease of entry, and a conducive farming environment. However, the interview data revealed that the agricultural activities of the youth were hindered by factors such as limited access to land, lack of government support, livestock diseases, insufficient agricultural knowledge, and a lack of interest and motivation. The interviewees had both positive and negative perceptions of agriculture, influenced by their personal situations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn summary, the interviewed youth reported limited income from their current agricultural activities due to factors such as restricted land access, imbalances between the costs of agricultural inputs and the prices of agricultural products, livestock diseases, and reliance on rainfed crop farming. Consequently, they struggled to meet their basic needs. This discouragement leads many of them to leave the sector and migrate to nearby cities in search of alternative employment opportunities. The poor rewards offered by the agricultural sector, particularly for young individuals aspiring to engage in it, further exacerbate the situation. These circumstances can have a detrimental impact on agricultural activity and the community's economy.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical Trial Number\u003c/strong\u003e: not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Participate\u003c/strong\u003e: not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish\u003c/strong\u003e: not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics Approval\u003c/strong\u003e: not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e: Dagnachew Terefe Degf is the sole author of this manuscript and was responsible for conceptualization, data collection, analysis, writing, and editing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability\u003c/strong\u003e: The data supporting this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests\u003c/strong\u003e: The author declares no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorresponding Author\u003c/strong\u003e: Dagnachew Terefe Degf, Email: [email protected]\u003c/p\u003e\n"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbro, Z., Alemu, B. 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Due to this fact, a significant number of developing countries are investing substantial resources to enhance the sector by actively engaging their young populations. Employing a qualitative approach and a phenomenological study design, this study primarily aims to understand the challenges and prospects for youth in rural Ethiopia, specifically in the north-western Oromia region, to engage in agriculture. The study involved a total of 25 interviewees from different age groups who were engaged in the agricultural sector, as well as eight key informants who work as experts in agricultural offices. The results of this study confirmed that the youth in the study area were involved in agriculture due to their proximity and easy access to marketplaces, as well as the favourable environmental conditions. In relation to the challenges depicted in this study, young people in rural areas have faced various obstacles when initiating their farming operations, especially prior to gaining access to markets. These obstacles encompass difficulties in acquiring land, agricultural inputs, and banking services. Despite the existence of a considerable untapped reservoir of employment opportunities in the agro-food sector, the lack of attention from the government and inadequate agricultural rewards contribute to the youth's reluctance to remain engaged in the sector. Consequently, it is imperative for government officials and responsible personnel to prioritize the development of a sustainable future in the country.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Enhancing Youth Engagement in Agriculture for a Sustainable Future in Ethiopia: Challenges and Policy Solutions in Focus","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-03-13 12:13:04","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6107661/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"03118853-43f0-436a-9fee-4c92ce3fd690","owner":[],"postedDate":"March 13th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-07-23T10:38:24+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-03-13 12:13:04","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6107661","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6107661","identity":"rs-6107661","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}