What Drives the Young Malaysian Generation to Become Horticulture Farmers? A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

Over the last decade, the involvement of the young generation in agriculture has drawn considerable attention to the Malaysian development agenda. A number of comprehensive strategies and measures have been designed to attract young people into the agricultural sector. However, the number remains relatively low as compared to the other economic sectors. Therefore, this study seeks to explore and describe the influential factors that drive the young Malaysian generation to be involved in farming. This study drew its sample from purposeful and snowball sampling techniques. A qualitative approach was employed, in which, a phenomenology study through interviews was conducted to explore the meaningful experience of the 15 respondents who are involved in the horticulture sector. The four major themes to which respondents referred to in describing the driving forces that influenced their decision to become a part-time or full-time farmer were (a) farming family background; (b) market and income potentials; (c) attitude; and (d) knowledge, skills and incentives. Thus, it is crucial for future policy designs to continue to leverage on the growth potential of the agricultural markets, ease the entry barriers to agriculture and build positive perceptions by improving existing agricultural programmes, training and incentives for young people.