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Realities, Perceptions, Challenges and Aspirations of Rural Youth in Dryland Agriculture in the Midelt Province, Morocco

Author

Listed:
  • Alessandra Giuliani

    (School for Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Länggasse 85, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland)

  • Sebastian Mengel

    (School for Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Länggasse 85, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland)

  • Courtney Paisley

    (Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), c/o GFAR at FAO, Viale Delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy)

  • Nicole Perkins

    (Planet H2O ® , Conalway, Sarl Doing Business As (DBA) Planet H2O ® , 571 Avenue Mohamed VI, Immeuble Mathis, Bloc A, 2ème étage-Souissi, 10000 Rabat, Morocco)

  • Ingrid Flink

    (Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), PO Box 95001, 1090 HA Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Oliver Oliveros

    (Agropolis Fondation, Avenue Agropolis, 34394 Montpellier, France)

  • Mariana Wongtschowski

    (Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), PO Box 95001, 1090 HA Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Active involvement of youth in agriculture is necessary for sustainable agricultural systems but is currently a challenge in many areas. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative participatory research methods, this study analyses rural youth’s realities, perspectives and aspirations in dryland Agricultural Livelihood Systems (ALSs) in the Midelt Province, Morocco, with a particular focus on gender. The data collected are an important first step in understanding the target group and working with youth to identify and develop appropriate programmatic interventions to improve their livelihoods and rural futures. Prior to expressing their aspirations for their rural life and career, the youth first raised the issue of unfulfilled primary needs: access to education, potable water, heath care, and lack of infrastructure in their villages. The issue of outmigration from rural areas is controversial and not so widespread. The youth’s dream village is envisioned as a rural place where people have a more comfortable life with their own families, farming better and more sustainably rather than seeking a job in urban areas. To support the youth’s aspirations and their willingness to stay in agriculture, there is a need for infrastructural and regulatory interventions and specific training in agricultural practices targeting and engaging youth.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandra Giuliani & Sebastian Mengel & Courtney Paisley & Nicole Perkins & Ingrid Flink & Oliver Oliveros & Mariana Wongtschowski, 2017. "Realities, Perceptions, Challenges and Aspirations of Rural Youth in Dryland Agriculture in the Midelt Province, Morocco," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-23, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:6:p:871-:d:99391
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mastewal Yami & Shiferaw Feleke & Tahirou Abdoulaye & Arega D. Alene & Zoumana Bamba & Victor Manyong, 2019. "African Rural Youth Engagement in Agribusiness: Achievements, Limitations, and Lessons," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, January.
    2. Katie LaRue & Thomas Daum & Kai Mausch & Dave Harris, 2021. "Who Wants to Farm? Answers Depend on How You Ask: A Case Study on Youth Aspirations in Kenya," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 885-909, August.
    3. Cynthia J. Mkong & Tahirou Abdoulaye & Paul Martin Dontsop-Nguezet & Zoumana Bamba & Victor Manyong & Godlove Shu, 2021. "Determinant of University Students’ Choices and Preferences of Agricultural Sub-Sector Engagement in Cameroon," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-18, June.
    4. Ravi Nandi & Swamikannu Nedumaran, 2021. "Understanding the Aspirations of Farming Communities in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review of the Literature," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 809-832, August.
    5. Federica Consentino & Gabriella Vindigni & Daniela Spina & Clara Monaco & Iuri Peri, 2023. "An Agricultural Career through the Lens of Young People," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-16, July.
    6. Baloyi, Raesetse & Wale, Edilegnaw & Chipfupa, Unity, 2022. "Rural youth interest in economic activities along the agricultural value chain: empirical evidence from KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and implications," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 26(1), August.
    7. Johannes I. F. Henning & Nicolette Matthews & Moatlhodi August & Primrose Madende, 2022. "Youths’ Perceptions and Aspiration towards Participating in the Agricultural Sector: A South African Case Study," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-21, May.

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