Adaptation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution among Generation Y in Rural Africa

Abstract

Abstract The study investigates adaptation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) among the rural youth in Qunu, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The broad focus on 4IR in job creation is its impact on youth skills development, and an important question is how rural youth benefit from 4IR opportunities. With few studies conducted on the topic of youth skills development in the context of 4IR, an investigation of the problems faced by the rural youth in Qunu in accessing emerging technologies was deemed to be of value. Mixed-method research was employed with a sample of 44 young people living in Qunu. Data was analysed using themes. The findings of this study indicate that the respondents had inadequate knowledge about 4IR and the opportunities it offers. Also, little is being done to improve the skills of the youth, though they show interest in improving their IT skills.