mauritius case study nawsheen hosenally 5 th september 2012
DESCRIPTION
Mauritius Case Study Nawsheen Hosenally 5 th September 2012. Country Background. 2045 km2 Population: 1,3 million Economy based on different sectors Agriculture Textile Financial Tourism ICTs. Youth Demographics. “Youth” is defined as a person between 14 and 29 years of age - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Mauritius Case Study
Nawsheen Hosenally
5th September 2012
Country Background
2045 km2
Population: 1,3 million
Economy based on different sectors AgricultureTextileFinancialTourism ICTs
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
Youth Demographics
Youth and EducationLiteracy rate is 88%Primary & secondary education free
Youth and EmploymentMinimum legal working age is 16 years oldUnemployment rate is 7.9%38% below 25 years of age
Urban and Rural youthDifference not very clear-cutPockets of poverty in north and eastern coast
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
Youth Perceptions
Generally perceived negatively by youths
Different categories of youths interviewedYouth of different field of studies from
University of MauritiusYouth engaged in Agriculture (producers and
entrepreneurs)
Each category has its own perception
Youth Perceptions
“Agriculture can help solve world issues like poverty and food security”
“No opinion. It’s 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”
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.
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 doesn’t 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.
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)
Youth Perceptions
Positive
• High opportunities in Agribusiness and entrepreneurship
• Leisure (Health, Exercise, Diet Issue)
• Address poverty – eliminate climate change
• Discipline
Challenges
Lack of enabling environments Society Schools Governments Incentives
Opportunities
Changing the negative perception of youth on Agriculture can help solve many issues Food Security Poverty Unemployment
Recommendation
Re-brand Agriculture Through ICTs National campaigns Magazines Introducing Agriculture in school
Recommendation