Young Africans Turn to Farming Amid Rising Urban Costs

In Senegal, a notable trend is emerging as young people increasingly turn to farming due to the high cost of urban living. Filly Mangassa, a 33-year-old farmer, exemplifies this shift. After leaving his village for Dakar with aspirations of becoming a professor, he returned to agriculture when job opportunities dwindled and living expenses soared. "Particularly after COVID, companies weren't hiring and prices were rising," Mangassa stated. This sentiment reflects a broader movement across Africa, where urbanization is rapid, with cities growing at an average rate of 3.5% annually. The World Bank reports that median rents and grocery prices in cities like Dakar and Nairobi are nearing those of major European cities, despite significantly lower median salaries.

PBS News Hour

Programs aimed at supporting young farmers are gaining traction. The World Food Program (WFP) launched an initiative in 2023 to assist young Africans in starting agricultural careers, which is set to run through early 2027. This program has already aided approximately 380,000 individuals, with over 61,000 in Senegal alone. The initiative addresses barriers such as land access, financing, and practical skills, which have historically hindered young people's entry into agriculture. Pierre Lucas, WFP's country director for Senegal, noted that many young farmers are now shifting to high-value crops, leveraging better technology to increase production.

PBS News Hour

Senegal is a significant departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, often via perilous routes. Authorities view agriculture as a viable solution to create jobs and deter migration. Senegal's Agriculture Minister, Mabouba Diagne, emphasized the potential of agriculture and livestock to generate the hundreds of thousands of jobs needed for the youth. Adama Sane, a 24-year-old who once aspired to migrate, found new purpose in farming after learning about the WFP initiative. "In a sense, discovering agriculture saved my life," Sane remarked, highlighting the transformative impact of agricultural opportunities.

PBS News Hour

The perception of farming as a low-status occupation is gradually changing. Young individuals like Mangassa and Sane are demonstrating that agriculture can be a profitable and fulfilling career. Mangassa, who now owns a 32-acre farm, has seen his income rise significantly, earning around 2 million CFA ($3,500) annually. This is notably higher than Senegal's average yearly income of about $2,500. As more young people embrace farming, there is a growing recognition that agriculture could be key to development in Senegal, potentially alleviating the pressures of urban migration.

PBS News Hour

• "Particularly after COVID, companies weren't hiring and prices were rising." — Filly Mangassa, Farmer

PBS News Hour

• "In a sense, discovering agriculture saved my life." — Adama Sane, Farmer

PBS News Hour

• "I'm convinced that the only sector that can create the hundreds of thousands of jobs young people in Africa need is agriculture and livestock." — Mabouba Diagne, Senegal's Agriculture Minister

PBS News Hour

• "A lot of young people think that being a farmer is a 'small job,' but there is starting to be a public awakening that agriculture can be the key to development in Senegal." — Adama Sane, Farmer

PBS News Hour

This emerging trend of young Africans returning to farming not only addresses economic challenges but also reshapes societal views on agriculture, positioning it as a viable and essential sector for the continent's future.

PBS News Hour