JOHANNESBURG – The Land Bank is calling for a renewed focus on removing barriers that prevent young South Africans from meaningfully participating in agriculture.
As the country marks Youth Month, the Land Bank reaffirms its commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Agriculture remains one of the country's most important and underutilized sectors for job creation, entrepreneurship and long-term economic inclusion.
However, the Land Bank points out that a much lower proportion of young people are entering agriculture, which is needed to secure the future of the country's food production and rural development.
This is despite South Africa's youth facing pressing and persistent challenges of high unemployment and limited access to sustainable economic opportunities.
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa's most pressing socio-economic crises, with the official unemployment rate for young people (15-34 years old) exceeding 45%.
The unemployment rate for the youngest age group (15-24 years old) is a staggering 61%.
As the country marks Youth Month, the Land Bank is calling for a renewed focus on removing barriers that prevent young South Africans from meaningfully participating in agriculture, and a reaffirmation of its commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Landbank acting chief executive Jabu Mfambo says the sector cannot grow 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 an entrepreneurial spirit. These qualities are essential to building a modern, competitive and sustainable agricultural sector,” says Mfambo.
“Our responsibility as a development finance institution is to ensure that the door to this sector is open, accessible and supported by the appropriate financial and development tools.”
understand the barriers
For many young people, the path to farming is blocked long before it even begins.
Access to land remains one of the most significant obstacles.
Without secure access to productive land, ambitious young farmers, regardless of their passion or potential, will not be able to establish or expand viable operations.
Mfambo points out that access to finance is also a major challenge.
Starting or expanding an agricultural business requires capital for inputs, equipment, infrastructure, and technology, and many young entrepreneurs simply don't have those resources.
Traditional financing models often exclude young people without collateral, credit history, or generational assets.
He added that gaps in skills development and leadership structures further limit youth participation.
Many young South Africans have limited opportunities to pursue a career in agriculture, without practical training opportunities or access to experienced mentors to guide them through the intricacies of farming.
“Compounding these challenges is the outdated perception of agriculture as a labor-intensive, low-growth sector,” Mfambo says.
“In fact, modern agriculture spans technology, logistics, finance, sustainability, research, processing and agribusiness, offering a diverse and dynamic career path that goes far beyond traditional agriculture.”
True stories of young people's success
To show what is possible when young people are given the right support, Mfambo points to Motlaleple Vincent Masiu as a good example of a young man 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 development assistance.
The farmer, who received funding from the Land Bank, said: “If I could talk to my younger self before starting my farming journey, I would tell you to find two mentors: one about farming and one about life.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned is that farming is not just about producing crops and livestock, it’s about managing a business.
“Cash flow is more important than net worth because assets alone cannot sustain a business. You not only need to build a farm, you also need to develop the people who will run it.”
His experience shows the importance of comprehensive support, including financial, technical and personal support, to help young farmers succeed.
The role of land banks in enabling youth participation
The Land Bank continues to strengthen its development mission by expanding access to finance, supporting emerging farmers, and investing in youth-focused programs.
The Bank is committed to enabling young people to enter and grow in the sector through blended finance solutions, customized financing instruments and partnerships across the agricultural value chain.
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 programs help young people who did not grow up in an agricultural environment fill knowledge gaps, build confidence and forge a path into the field.
“Supporting youth in agriculture requires a comprehensive ecosystem that includes access to land, training, mentorship, markets and technology,” says Mfambo.
“The Land Bank is committed to working with governments, industry partners, educational institutions and the private sector to create this enabling environment.
“Involving young people in agriculture is a shared responsibility, and collaboration is the only way to achieve meaningful, long-term impact.”
Promoting youth participation in agriculture is not only an economic imperative, but also a national priority.
With the right support, young South Africans can become the farmers, agriculturists, researchers, engineers and innovators who will shape the future of the sector.
The Land Bank remains committed to empowering the next generation through accessible finance, development programs, strategic partnerships, and initiatives that develop both the businesses and the individuals behind them.
