Young Weekend Farmers in Lusaka, Zambia: Motivation and Their Role in Agriculture

Abstract

When it comes to describing the activities of urban youth in Lusaka agriculture is not likely to be a word that will come up so often. This is changing with observable increment in numbers of urban youths trying to venture into agriculture through weekend farming. This is a group of youths who are rarely considered when the debate of how to attract youths into agriculture is discussed because the focus of agriculture policy is biased towards rural youths. Driven by the desire for extra income, passion, desire to grow their own food and hoping to retire early from formal employment they travel dozens of kilometres from Lusaka to surrounding districts to farm. With the help of hired local or family labour they farm on their personally acquired, family or rented land growing various crops and keeping livestock. Their role in agriculture development includes that of creating employment, promoting local food security, enhancing technology adoption, building the image of agriculture and as investors in small scale agriculture.

Keywords: Weekend Farming, Lusaka Urban Youth, Small Scale Farming, Youth Employment, Motivation