Land Bank urges greater youth participation in agriculture

While agriculture remains one of the country’s most critical yet under‑utilised sectors for job creation, entrepreneurship and long-term economic inclusion, young people continue to enter the farming industry at far lower rates than required to secure the future of national food production and rural development.

As the country marks Youth Month, the Land Bank is calling for renewed focus on removing the barriers that prevent young South Africans from participating meaningfully in agriculture and reaffirming its commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Acting CEO of Land Bank, Jabu Mphambo, says the sector cannot thrive without the energy, innovation and ambition of young people.

“Youth participation is essential to the future of South African agriculture. Young people bring new ideas, technological fluency and entrepreneurial drive, qualities that are critical for building a modern, competitive and sustainable agricultural sector.

“Our responsibility as a development finance institution is to ensure that the doors to this sector are open, accessible and supported by the right financial and developmental tools,” he said.

Understanding the barriers

Mphambo noted that access to finance is another major challenge. Starting or expanding an agricultural enterprise requires capital for inputs, equipment, infrastructure and technology resources that many young entrepreneurs do not have.

Acting chief executive officer of Land Bank Jabu Mphambo. Photo; Supplied/Food For Mzansi

He adds that skills development and mentorship gaps further limit youth participation. Many young South Africans have limited exposure to agriculture as a career, lack practical training opportunities, or do not have access to experienced mentors who can guide them through the complexities of running an agricultural business.

“Compounding these challenges are outdated perceptions of agriculture as a labour-intensive, low‑growth sector. In reality, modern agriculture spans technology, logistics, finance, sustainability, research, processing and agribusiness, offering diverse and dynamic career paths that extend far beyond traditional farming,” Mphambo said.

A real story of youth success

To demonstrate what is possible when young people receive the right support, Mphambo noted that Motlalepule Vincent Masiu from Senekal, Free State, is a good example of a young person who has built a successful career in agriculture.

His story reflects both the challenges young farmers face and the transformative impact of mentorship, financial discipline and developmental support.

Masiu said if he could speak to his younger self before starting the farming journey, he would tell him to find two mentors: one for farming and one for life.

“One of the biggest lessons I learned is that farming is not just about producing crops or livestock; it’s about managing a business. Cash flow is more important than net worth because assets alone do not keep operations running. Build the farm but also build the person running it,” he said.

His experience illustrates the importance of holistic support, including financial, technical and personal support, in shaping successful young farmers.

Land Bank’s role in enabling youth participation

Land Bank continues to strengthen its developmental mandate by expanding access to finance, supporting emerging farmers, and investing in youth‑focused programmes.

“Supporting youth in agriculture requires a comprehensive ecosystem that includes access to land, training, mentorship, markets and technology.

“Land Bank is committed to working with government, industry partners, educational institutions and the private sector to build this enabling environment. Youth inclusion in agriculture is a shared responsibility, and collaboration is the only way to achieve meaningful, long‑term impact,” Mphambo said.