Youths have been encouraged to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in agriculture and agribusiness as a pathway to wealth creation, employment and sustainable development.
This was the focus of an edition of the Agripreneur Insights television programme, which featured the Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Management at Kwara State Polytechnic, Dr. Mohammed Sani Bashir, as a guest. The discussion centred on the theme, “Youth Involvement in Agribusiness.”
Speaking during the programme, Dr. Bashir highlighted the critical role of agricultural extension workers in bridging the gap between research institutions and farmers. He explained that extension officers help disseminate modern farming technologies, innovations and best practices to farmers, thereby improving productivity and agricultural development.
According to him, agricultural extension is a promising niche that young people can explore as a career path within the agricultural sector.
Dr. Bashir dispelled the common misconception that agriculture is only about manual labour and getting physically dirty. He stressed that agriculture has evolved into a dynamic and profitable industry with numerous opportunities across production, processing, marketing, consultancy, technology and agribusiness management.
“You do not have to be dirty before you make money from agriculture,” he said, noting that many successful entrepreneurs are earning substantial incomes through different segments of the agricultural value chain.
He encouraged young people to identify specific areas of interest within the sector, whether in poultry production, animal husbandry, crop production, agricultural marketing, extension services or agribusiness development.
The agricultural expert also emphasized the importance of practical knowledge and skills acquisition. He explained that Kwara State Polytechnic adopts a practical-oriented approach to teaching agriculture, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience alongside theoretical knowledge.
According to him, this approach prepares graduates to become job creators rather than job seekers and equips them with the skills required to thrive in the modern agricultural industry.
Dr. Bashir further advised youths to acquire digital and technological skills, particularly coding, describing it as a valuable skill that can complement agricultural enterprises and increase competitiveness in today’s technology-driven economy.
He noted that technology is increasingly transforming agriculture through precision farming, data management, digital marketing and agricultural innovations, making digital literacy an essential asset for young agripreneurs.
Speaking on institutional support for agricultural education, Dr. Bashir revealed that the department enjoys strong collaborations with both state and federal government agencies, as well as development partners and agricultural organizations. He specifically mentioned the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project among key partners supporting agricultural development and capacity building.
The guest also identified access to land and finance as major challenges facing agribusiness owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. However, he urged young people not to allow these challenges to discourage them from pursuing their ambitions.
He advised prospective agripreneurs to start with the resources available to them rather than waiting for large financial capital before launching their businesses.
Dr. Bashir further encouraged youths to join agricultural cooperative societies, noting that cooperatives provide access to credit facilities, training opportunities, markets, networking platforms and other resources that can support business growth.
He concluded by urging young Nigerians to see agriculture as a viable business venture capable of providing sustainable livelihoods, food security and economic prosperity while contributing meaningfully to national development.
