There are some 500 million smallholder farms worldwide. These small farms produce about 80 percent of the food consumed in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa (IFAD, 2011). Young people account for a large percentage of the rural population, and are often unemployed or underemployed, despite the need for labour force in agriculture. Rural youth do not perceive agriculture as a remunerative or prestigious profession, and until they find meaningful economic opportunities and attractive environments in rural areas, they will continue to migrate to cities. Read The Research.
