Johannesburg – The Land Bank is calling for renewed focus on removing the barriers that prevent young South Africans from participating meaningfully in agriculture.
As the country marks Youth Month, Land Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Agriculture remains one of the country’s most critical yet under-utilised sectors for job creation, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic inclusion.
However, the Land Bank notes that far lower rates of young people than required to secure the future of national food production and rural development enter the farming industry.
This is despite South Africa’s youth facing the urgent and persistent challenge of high unemployment and limited access to sustainable economic opportunities.
Youth unemployment in South Africa remains one of the most pressing socioeconomic crises, with the official unemployment rate for young people (aged 15-34) sitting above 45%.
The staggering jobless rate for the youngest demographic (aged 15-24) is approximately 61%.
As the country marks Youth Month, the Land Bank is calling for renewed focus on removing the barriers that prevent young South Africans from participating meaningfully in agriculture and reaffirming its commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Acting CEO of Land Bank Jabu Mphambo says the sector cannot thrive without the energy, innovation, and ambition of young people.
“Youth participation is essential to the future of South African agriculture. Young people bring new ideas, technological fluency, and entrepreneurial drive – qualities that are critical for building a modern, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector,” Mphambo says.
“Our responsibility as a development finance institution is to ensure that the doors to this sector are open, accessible, and supported by the right financial and developmental tools.”
Understanding the barriers
For many young people, the path into agriculture is blocked long before it begins.
Access to land remains one of the most significant obstacles.
Without secure access to productive land, aspiring young farmers cannot establish or scale viable operations, regardless of their passion or potential.
Mphambo notes that access to finance is another major challenge.
Starting or expanding an agricultural enterprise requires capital for inputs, equipment, infrastructure, and technology – resources that many young entrepreneurs simply do not have.
Traditional financing models often exclude young people who lack collateral, credit history, or generational assets.
He adds that skills development and mentorship gaps further limit youth participation.
Many young South Africans have limited exposure to agriculture as a career, lack practical training opportunities, or do not have access to experienced mentors who can guide them through the complexities of running an agricultural business.
“Compounding these challenges are outdated perceptions of agriculture as a labour-intensive, low-growth sector,” says Mphambo.
“In reality, modern agriculture spans technology, logistics, finance, sustainability, research, processing, and agribusiness – offering diverse and dynamic career paths that extend far beyond traditional farming.”
A real story of youth success
To demonstrate what is possible when young people receive the right support, Mphambo notes that Motlalepule Vincent Masiu is a good example of a young person who has built a successful career in agriculture.
His story reflects both the challenges young farmers face and the transformative impact of mentorship, financial discipline, and developmental support.
The Land Bank-funded farmer states: “If I could speak to my younger self before starting my farming journey, I would tell him to find two mentors: one for farming and one for life.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned is that farming is not just about producing crops or livestock – it’s about managing a business.
“Cash flow is more important than net worth because assets alone do not keep operations running… Build the farm, but also build the person running it.”
His experience illustrates the importance of holistic support, including financial, technical, and personal, in shaping successful young farmers.
Land Bank’s role in enabling youth participation
The Land Bank continues to strengthen its developmental mandate by expanding access to finance, supporting emerging farmers, and investing in youth‑focused programmes.
Through blended finance solutions, tailored funding instruments, and partnerships across the agricultural value chain, the Bank is working to ensure that young people can enter and thrive within the sector.
A key initiative is the Farmers Academy, which provides young and emerging farmers with practical training, mentorship, business management skills, and exposure to modern agricultural practices.
These programmes help bridge knowledge gaps, build confidence, and create pathways into the sector for young people who may not have grown up in farming environments.
“Supporting youth in agriculture requires a comprehensive ecosystem that includes access to land, training, mentorship, markets, and technology,” says Mphambo.
“Land Bank is committed to working with government, industry partners, educational institutions, and the private sector to build this enabling environment.
“Youth inclusion in agriculture is a shared responsibility, and collaboration is the only way to achieve meaningful, long‑term impact.”
Unlocking youth participation in agriculture is not only an economic imperative but a national priority.
With the right support, young South Africans can become the farmers, agripreneurs, researchers, technologists, and innovators who will shape the future of the sector.
The Land Bank remains committed to empowering the next generation through accessible finance, developmental programmes, strategic partnerships, and initiatives that nurture both the business and the individual behind it.
The post Land Bank Calls For Urgent Action To Unlock Youth Potential In Agriculture appeared first on The Bulrushes.
