An Agricultural Apprenticeship Program for Youth in Trinidad, West Indies: Can it Meet the Caribbean’s Urgent Need for Younger Farmers?

Wayne G Ganpat,Nicole Webster

doi:10.5195/jyd.2010.229

Abstract

To address the aging farmer population in Trinidad, W.I., a situation common to the Caribbean region, a Youth Apprenticeship Program in Agriculture (YAPA) was initiated. An assessment of its effectiveness was conducted in 2007. Results indicated that present trainees went into agriculture to make “additional” income and for self employment, with “contributing to national food security” being ranked lower. They were generally satisfied with the extent of field work, the experience gained and trainers’ knowledge and skills. However, they would leave agriculture if they received other employment opportunities or if they were not provided with key resources such as land and soft loans. Past YAPA trainees had significantly changed (p

Highlights

Youth’s lack of motivation and willingness to engage in agricultural activities – a debilitating factor for a slow growth in the agricultural industry is a prevalent issue within both, the developed and developing countries (James, 2005; Odhiambo, 2001; Russell, 1993; The World Bank, 2001, 2006a, 2006b)
Participation Since the inception of the Youth Apprenticeship Program in Agriculture (YAPA) programme in 2003, some 5042 persons have graduated from Phase 1 of the program
The YAPA programme was designed to meet a significant need in the area of agriculture skill development as a stepping stone towards youth engagement of the farming sector in Trinidad

Summary

Introduction

Youth’s lack of motivation and willingness to engage in agricultural activities – a debilitating factor for a slow growth in the agricultural industry is a prevalent issue within both, the developed and developing countries (James, 2005; Odhiambo, 2001; Russell, 1993; The World Bank, 2001, 2006a, 2006b) This lack of motivation and unwillingness is largely due to the negative stigma associated with those involved in agricultural activities (Divyakirti, 2002). Youth across the globe have connected agricultural involvement to being part of the working class of manual laborers who earn modest means and rarely contribute to the overall well being of society It is these stigmas and perceptions that have disengaged the youth in the agriculture industry (FAO, 2001; Rivera, 2001; The World Bank, 2001). The Trinidad government reasoned that a participatory programme was needed to attract and sustain youths in agricultural pursuits – and organized an initiative in an attempt to enhance food security, create viable employment options for young people in the agricultural sector and reduce the average age of its farm population

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion