Cynthia Mkong, a Research Fellow at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan on Friday, underscored the need for Africa to repackage agriculture to attract youths.

Mkong made the remark during training for media and youths on research evidence dissemination, organised by IITA in Ibadan.

She said the way agriculture was presented would go a long way in helping youths in the decision to choose whether or not to engage in it.

The research fellow said ministries of education on the continent should pay more attention to the manner in which agriculture was communicated to students.

According to her, forums should be organised where experts in agriculture will be invited to enlighten students on its benefits.

She explained that a social media group could be created where successful people in agriculture and agri-business would share their success stories to attract young ones.

Mkong urged role models in agriculture to always mentor the youths on its importance, pointing out that all the work should not be dependent on government alone.

She also stressed the need to organise radio documentary programmes on agriculture for the youths in rural areas, noting that “in Europe and America, the richest ones are farmers; Africans can also portray agric produce, benefit, potential, foreign exchange gotten from it, success of the ministers in agriculture, among others.

“Those who are making it in agriculture are not famous like in music, film industries and this affects the youths’ engagement.

“We must not wait for government to allocate funds, even though it is important, before we can swing into action:  individuals who have made it in agriculture should be telling their stories to encourage others.”

She further advised youths to use the opportunity given by the social media to find out latest happenings around agriculture.

Mkong said the media played a vital role in proper dissemination of information about the potential of agriculture. (NAN)

– Nov. 23, 2018 @ 13:12 GMT |