1. Mauritius Case Study Nawsheen Hosenally 5 th September 2012

2. Country Background 2045 km2 Population: 1,3 million Economy based on different sectors Agriculture Textile Financial Tourism ICTs

3. Youth Demographics Youth is defined as a person between 14 and 29 years of age Youth population between 15-29 years old was estimated to be 306,532 (CSO, 2010) 23.9% of total population 154,863 (12.1%) males and 151,669 (11.8%) females

4. Youth Demographics Youth and Education Literacy rate is 88% Primary & secondary education free Youth and Employment Minimum legal working age is 16 years old Unemployment rate is 7.9% 38% below 25 years of age Urban and Rural youth Difference not very clear-cut Pockets of poverty in north and eastern coast

5. Agriculture Background Contributes to 4% of GDP Arable land: 43% Sugarcane, tea and tobacco (33%), Food crops and others (28%), Livestock and Poultry (22%), Government services (13%), Fishing (4%) CAADP Status: About to sign Challenge: High Imports (>70% - Approx 1billion USD) Ageing farming population & lack of youth interest in Agriculture

6. Youth Perceptions Generally perceived negatively by youths Different categories of youths interviewed Youth of different field of studies from University of Mauritius Youth engaged in Agriculture (producers and entrepreneurs) Each category has its own perception

7. Youth Perceptions Agriculture can help solve world issues like poverty and food security No opinion. Its just not meant for me I am studying engineering and intend to get a job in the same field, but I see Agriculture as a good business opportunity, and it will be my part-time activity. I have been in Agriculture for years and despite all challenges, this is where I belong

8. Youth Perceptions Agriculture does not pay because it a luck business, Ramadhani Sigareti, young horticultural farmer in Morogoro region Agriculture takes time to earn money and it is always unpredictable, Elizabeth Singu, youth member UVIKIUTA I have never seen a successful young farmer in my entire life; there are no role models in agriculture, Elizabeth Singu, youth member UVIKIUTA.

9. Youth Perceptions Although I am doing Bsc in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, I would like to work in a bank or telecommunication industry because agriculture doesnt pay, Kijagwa Gerald, Bsc. Agribusiness, second year student SUA, Morogoro. If you look at the conditions of the farmers, there is no way you can be attracted to be a farmer, Samson Simangwi, Bsc. Agribusiness, third year student SUA.

10. Youth Perceptions Negative Old-fashioned activity for the elderly and poor people (Subsistence v/s commercial, farm to eat v/s farm for income) A field for residual youth (Failure – lowest class student) Difficult job – too laborious Low income generating sector (No money in Agriculture, issue: it takes too long to get results)

11. Youth Perceptions Positive High opportunities in Agribusiness and entrepreneurship Leisure (Health, Exercise, Diet Issue) Address poverty – eliminate climate change Discipline

12. Challenges Lack of enabling environments Society Schools Governments Incentives

13. Opportunities Changing the negative perception of youth on Agriculture can help solve many issues Food Security Poverty Unemployment

14. Recommendation Re-brand Agriculture Through ICTs National campaigns Magazines Introducing Agriculture in school

15. Recommendation