Networking and Mentorship: Young Kenyans and Agriculture

Agriculture in Kenya holds untapped potential for economic growth and food security, yet it often remains an overlooked career choice among a lot of young people. To bridge this gap, we must understand the unique psychology of the youth and utilise captivating, modern methods to deliver quality information. Effective networking and mentorship are crucial, but are we truly leveraging these tools to their full potential?

This article explores how to make agriculture enticing for the Kenyan youth and the steps we need to take to achieve this goal.

Understanding the Youth Perspective

Young people today are digital natives, constantly connected through social media and various online platforms. Young people value instant access to information, engaging content, and interactive experiences. Traditional methods of disseminating agricultural knowledge will likely fail to resonate with them. If it is too serious, I can’t have fun in it, and if I can't have fun while doing it then what is the point?

Therefore, it is essential to adopt a youth-centric approach that speaks the language of the youth that fits their psychology and their way of being.

The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

1. Building Connections: Networking provides young people with opportunities to connect with experienced professionals, peers, and industry leaders. These connections offer guidance, support, and inspiration, making the agricultural journey less daunting and more appealing. Those who’ve gone before us, save us the aspect of time for as long as they can speak our language and we can comprehend theirs.
2. Access to Quality Information: Mentorship programs bridge the information gap by offering personalised advice and sharing real-world experiences. Quality information is vital for making informed decisions, understanding market trends, and adopting best practices in agriculture.
3. Career Development: Mentors help young people navigate their career paths, identify opportunities, and develop essential skills. They open your eyes to the world of possibility. Networking and mentorship open doors to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations that definitely accelerates career growth.

Bridging the Gap: Making Agriculture Enticing

1. Leveraging Digital Platforms: To make agriculture more attractive, we must meet young people where they are—online. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Spotify offer powerful tools for delivering engaging and informative content.
   • Podcasts: Podcasts are a great way to share stories, insights, and advice from agricultural experts and successful young farmers. They provide a convenient way for young people to learn while on the go. All you need is someone who will make the delivery come out in an engaging way.
   • Teachable Videos: Short, educational videos on YouTube can cover a wide range of topics, from modern farming techniques to agribusiness management. The hints into the path that one may wish to venture into wholesomely after getting an idea of what the path might look like. Visual content is particularly effective in capturing attention and making complex information more digestible.
   • Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok should be used to share quick tips, success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of agricultural activities. Engaging visuals, interactive posts, and relatable content to spark interest and curiosity.
2. Making It Fun: The content must be not only informative but also entertaining. Fun, engaging content transforms the perception of agriculture from a "dirty job" to an exciting and rewarding career. Interactive quizzes, challenges, and live Q&A sessions make learning about agriculture enjoyable and more impactful. In today’s world, our attention span is extremely shortened and it is up to us to make sure that the information we are passing is still treasured for long term gain and impact.
3. Creating Communities: Building online communities where young people interact, share experiences, and support each other is essential. These communities foster a sense of belonging and encourage active participation.
   • Facebook Groups: Create dedicated groups for young farmers to share resources, ask questions, and collaborate on projects.
   • WhatsApp groups: Have a more direct touch within the Kenyan communities.
   • LinkedIn Networks: Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions about agricultural innovations and opportunities.

The Role of Organizations and Influencers

Organizations like Godai Ltd., through initiatives like Project Youth Mashambani, play a crucial role in supporting youth involvement in agriculture. By partnering with influencers and leveraging our reach as mentors, these organizations will be able to amplify the message and engage a broader audience on matters of agriculture and the future of food security in our country.

• Influencer Collaborations: Partner with relevant popular social media influencers who resonate with the youth. Their endorsement can significantly impact perceptions and encourage more young people to explore agricultural opportunities.
• Workshops and Webinars: Host online workshops and webinars featuring industry experts, successful young farmers, and mentors. These events provide valuable insights and direct interaction with role models.

Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity

1. Affordable Internet Access: Efforts must be made to ensure that young people both in towns and in rural areas have access to affordable and reliable internet. This connectivity is crucial for accessing online resources and participating in digital communities.
2. Multilingual Content: Creating content in multiple languages also makes information accessible to a wider audience. In Kenya, content in Swahili and other local languages can reach more young people, mostly those in rural areas. Speak in the language that will have most people accessing the content with ease to make a sustainable impact.
3. Inclusive Programs: Design programs that are inclusive and cater to the diverse needs of young people, including women and marginalized communities. Ensure that all young people have equal opportunities to benefit from networking and mentorship initiatives.

Conclusion

To truly engage young people in agriculture, we need to rethink our approach and embrace modern, youth-centric methods. By leveraging digital platforms, creating engaging content, and fostering supportive communities, we can make agriculture an exciting and viable career choice. Networking and mentorship are vital tools in this process, providing the guidance and connections young people need to succeed. Let's make agriculture fun, accessible, and enticing, ensuring that the next generation is ready to take control of their future and drive sustainable development in Kenya.

With Project Youth Mashambani we are already doing the due diligence a step at a time and we hope the professionals within the agricultural field with the same vision figuring out how to make an impact can be able to jump into this train and we will be able to be more impactful covering more grounds together.

For more information and to join our initiatives, feel free to connect with us, Godai-LTD.

Link: HyddrooHarvest