Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022-2027

Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022-2027 1 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 TABLE OF CONTENT Acronyms and Local Terminology Page 2 Minister’s Foreword Page 3 Preface - PS Agriculture Page 4 Executive Summary Page 5 The Need to Support Youth in the Agriculture Sector Page 6 Relationship with other Policies of the Government of Fiji Page 10 Vision, Goals, Objectives and Outcomes Page 11-12 Objective 1: Increasing Access to Productive Resources, Financial Services and Markets Page 13 Objective 2: Enhancing Knowledge, Education and Skills Page 14 Objective 3: Supporting Innovation and Transition to Commercial Agriculture Page 15 Objective 4: Strengthening Sustainability and Climate/Disaster Resilience Page 15-17 Reference Page 18 Annex I. Stakeholders Consulted in the Formulation of the Policy Page 19 Annex II. Logical Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation Page 20-24 Annex III. Plan of Action for Ministry of Agriculture Page 25-31 2 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 ACRONYMS AND LOCAL TERMINOLOGY AMA Agriculture Marketing Authority CC/DRM Climate Change/Disaster Risk Management CBDRM Community Based Disaster Risk Management DRR Disaster Risk Reduction FAC Fiji Agriculture Census FARS Fiji Agriculture and Rural Statistics FDB Fiji Development Bank FSLC Fiji Food Security and Livelihood Cluster ICT Information Communication Technology LGBTQI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex MoA Ministry of Agriculture MCTTT Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport MoFi Ministry of Fisheries MoFo Ministry of Forestry NDMO National Disaster Management Office NDP National Development Plan NATI Navuso Agriculture Training Institute Mataqali I-Taukei land holding unit of clan elders Solesolevaki Traditional i-Taukei communal labour system SDP Strategic Development Plan TRTC Tutu Rural Training Centre UN FAO United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation 3 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 The vision of the 2022-27 Youth in Agriculture Policy is that “young people are empowered for active participation across all aspects of the agri-food system” and the goal is “to actively promote youth engagement to strengthen food and nutrition security, commercial agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and climate and disaster resilience”. The 5-year and 20-year Fiji National Development Plan outline strategies to ‘empower youth to be agents of change’ as well as ‘promote entrepreneurial culture through sustainable micro, small and medium enterprises’. Outcome 2 of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Strategic Development Plan 2019-2023 seeks to increase the participation of women and youth in the crop and livestock sectors principally through greater engagement of youth groups and young farmers in Ministry-supported clusters. I am encouraged by the 2022/2023 Costed Operational Plan where specific youth targeted interventions have been included in the annual budget especially regarding the Commercial Agriculture Development Plan. Designing an overarching Youth in Agriculture Policy to provide strategic direction and guidance to these initiatives is extremely timely and important. Young people are key agents of positive change, not only in Fiji but worldwide. Young farmers are essential in modernising our agriculture sector and ensuring ongoing agricultural productivity. Young farmers however, face a number of challenges and constraints in entry and retention that this policy seeks to address. The COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the rising cost of living and recurring natural disasters has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, including those of young people seeking to make a livelihood from agriculture. As policy-makers, the Government along with private sector and civil society partners need to collectively map out strategies that address the barriers young people face. I am encouraged by the strong evidence base from the Fiji Agriculture Census 2020 data used in the development of this policy and the wide consultation with youth groups, Ministries of Agriculture and Youth and Sports and other external stakeholders. I must commend the work undertaken by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in harnessing the positive contributions of young people, creating an empowering and stimulating environment that enables participation of youth in decision-making and follow-up actions. I must also acknowledge contributions of all stakeholders in contributing towards the 2022-2027 Youth in Agriculture Policy. I would also like to sincerely acknowledge technical support by the UN FAO First in the preparation and consultation for this policy. In light of the above, it is my honour and privilege to present the “2022-2027 Youth in Agriculture Policy in Fiji” and look forward to its effective implementation by all stakeholders in addressing the Youth Gaps in the Sector. Dr. Mahendra Reddy Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment FOREWORD 4 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 The Fiji Youth in Agriculture Policy has been driven from the growing recognition of the critical role young farmers can play in modernising the agriculture sector in Fiji. As the age of farmers around the world and in Fiji continues to rise, we urgently need to bring the innovation, energy and creativity of our young people into the agri-food system. Through this policy we hope to chart a clear way forward in how to ensure the ongoing productivity of our sector, through actively promoting young farmers, while also ensuring sustainability. Under this policy, young people will be encouraged and supported through a 4-pronged approach of increasing access to land, finance and markets; improving agricultural education and training; increasing commercial agriculture opportunities and supporting sustainability. We understand we cannot do this alone and will continue to develop partnerships and strong linkages with key stakeholders addressing young people in agriculture, in particular the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The findings of the Youth in Agriculture Assessment Report from the 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census indicated that young farmers in Fiji require more direct targeting of support to facilitate their entry and retention in the sector. Young farmers and especially young women are under-represented in almost all criteria identified in the census, such as access to land, finance, markets, equipment, extension services, technical assistance and training. By designing a policy to specifically address these challenges, we hope to successfully pass down the mantle of ensuring food and nutrition security, increasing agricultural productivity and continued economic growth through future generations. This policy has undergone a consultative process that included youth groups, Government and non- Government actors, development partners and traditional authorities across the country and will be guided by the inter-Ministerial Youth in Agriculture Working Group formed for this purpose. With these few words, it is my privilege to introduce the “2022-2027 Youth in Agriculture Policy” hoping its success and inclusivity at all levels of the sector. This policy will inspire young farmers, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Youth and Sports to empower young people for active participation across all aspects of the agri-food system. Dr. Vinesh Kumar Permanent Secretary for Agriculture PREFACE Permanent Secretary for Agriculture 5 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 1. Executive Summary Young people are essential to the agriculture sector in Fiji not only as replacement farmers, but for the dynamism, creativity, energy and innovation po- tential they bring to the sector. Young farmers are critical in the Ministry’s efforts to implement its vi- sion of a sustainable, competitive and resilient sec- tor. Young people in Fiji are defined by the National Youth Policy 2018 as “males and females between the ages of 15 to 35 years”. Agriculture, as the largest source of livelihoods in the country, remains the backbone of the Fijian economy and an important source of rural jobs. The efforts outlined in this policy are to facilitate entry and encourage retention of young people in crop and livestock farming, to ensure decent rural liveli- hoods, economic growth and to support a resilient and sustainable sector. There are a number of key issues outlined in the Situational Analysis section below that affect youth participation in the crop and livestock sector. These include inter-alia education and the overall percep- tion of agriculture for young people, urban and sea- sonal migration, the COVID-19 pandemic, disaster and climate change impacts, the rise of the service and tourism sectors, culture and access to resourc- es. Based on the 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census, A youth in Agriculture Analysis Report was produced that iden- tified a number of constraints for young farmers. Out of the total 83,395 farmers in Fiji, there are 27,810 young people (33 percent) who declare farming as their primary or secondary source of income. Young women farmers represent only 4 percent of farmers in Fiji and are significantly under-represented in ac- cess to resources, inputs and training. • Younger farmers are under-represented in access to training and assistance • Young farmers are less likely to own land, tools or machinery • Young farmers have less access to digital and financial services • Young farmers are more likely to be unpaid family workers and perform menial tasks • Young farmers are significantly under-repre- sented in livestock production • Young farmers have overall higher levels of education attainment and have high aware- ness of climate change. • Young women are represented in marketing of agricultural produce and floriculture During the policy consultation processes held with youth groups, young farmers, Ministry of Agricul- ture staff and external stakeholders, additional is- sues were raised such as access to markets, limit- ed roads and transport, importance of culture and traditional concepts such as solesolevaki, the role of mentoring, opportunities presented by technology, networking and information sharing and the overall negative perception of agriculture as a last resort for young people. Climate change adaptation, disaster resilience and the important role of sustainability were equally raised as key issues for young farmers. This policy seeks to address these constraints. The vision of the 2022-27 Youth in Agriculture Policy is that “young people are empowered for active par- ticipation across all aspects of the agri-food system”. The goal is “to actively promote youth engagement … to strengthen food and nutrition security, com- mercial agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and cli- mate and disaster resilience”. There are 4 objectives detailed below: Objective 1: Increasing Access to Productive Resources, Financial Services and Markets Objective 2: Enhancing Knowledge, Education and Skills Objective 3: Supporting Innovation and Transi- tion to Commercial Agriculture Objective 4: Strengthening Sustainability and Climate/Disaster Resilience These objectives are further elaborated into 14 out- comes that seek to collectively strengthen youth participation in the agri-food system in Fiji. Under objective 1, the outcomes seek to promote increased youth access to agricultural land, equipment, tools and agro-inputs, financial services and markets. Under objective 2 the outcomes seek to improve ag- ricultural education and training opportunities, en- sure agriculture extension services and programmes are youth inclusive and address the negative per- ception of agriculture among young people. Under objective 3, the outcomes seek to increase youth access to technology and innovation, build capacity for entrepreneurship and small business 6 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 management and increase value add opportunities across the agri-food system. Under outcome 4, the outcomes seek to build re- silience in the agriculture sector to climate change and natural disasters, improve the Ministry of Agri- culture’s leadership capacity to address sustainable agriculture and promote capacity of young farmers in agro-ecology and environmentally sustainable practices. The duration of the Youth in Agriculture Policy in Fiji is five years, from 2022 to 2027. During this time, a mid-term review of the policy will be conducted after three years in 2025, and again after five years in 2027. The Ministry of Agriculture will pursue the Plan of Action outlined in Annex III. This Action Plan will be incorporated into MoA’s annual Costed Operation- al Plans and accompanying annual budget submis- sions. Progress will be measured though the Logical Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation in Annex II. An inter-Ministerial Youth in Agriculture Working Group, founded for the development of this policy, will continue to meet regularly to monitor imple- mentation, exchange best practices and prepare co- ordinated advice to the leadership of the ministries. The governance arrangements for the policy directly involve the Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Youth and Sports and less directly the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Rural and Maritime Devel- opment and Disaster Management and Ministry of the Economy. 2. The Need to Support Youth in the Agriculture Sector 2.1 Situational Analysis Youth are a major human resource for development and are critical actors for social, economic and tech- nological change in society. Around the world, food systems are the largest employer of young people, yet they often do not always provide decent and meaningful work or adequate livelihood opportu- nities, nor maintain a balance between the needs and rights of different generations (HLPE 2021). The crop and livestock sector, not including sugar, pre- COVID-19, accounted for 8.3 percent of Fiji’s gross domestic product (GDP), yet provided income to 37 percent of its population, including almost half of those living below the poverty line (Fiji Ministry of Economy, 2020). Agriculture, as the largest source of livelihoods in the country, remains the backbone of the Fijian economy and an important entry point for rural jobs. The efforts outlined in this policy are to facilitate entry and encourage retention of young people in crop and livestock farming, to ensure de- cent rural livelihoods, economic growth and to sup- port a resilient and sustainable sector. Youth in Fiji are defined in the National Youth Policy 2018 as “males and females between the ages of 15 to 35 years”. The current generation of young farm- ers and agro-entrepreneurs in Fiji will face extraor- dinary challenges that will define their generation. The burdens of a growing population and increas- ing urbanization are contributing to an increasing demand for food both domestically and interna- tionally. Coupled with increasing climate insecurity, environmental destruction and loss of biodiversity, agricultural production in the next few decades will require a careful balancing act between increasing production and maintaining sustainability. Fiji relies extensively on food imports and suffers from the triple burden of malnutrition – undernu- trition, micro-nutrient deficiency, overweight and obesity. Healthy, locally grown foods for either home consumption or sale into local markets is the key to addressing these challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted substantially on food and nutri- tion insecurity, mainly due to a high dependence on foreign tourism, reliance on imported foods and rel- atively low intensity of local food production. Fiji will require a highly flexible, responsive and innovative rural workforce to ensure food and nutrition securi- ty and maintain sustainable livelihoods, while simul- taneously generating the robust economic growth the nation requires. This will need to be achieved while ensuring Fiji’s unique ecological environment is protected and our actions promote a more cli- mate and disaster resilient rural productive sector. As the next generation of farmers, Fiji’s youth will be at the forefront of this set of challenges and as such require a suite of tailored and targeted support initiatives that are outlined in this policy. Government ministries and their partners have for many years promoted the transition of traditional subsistence agriculture, fisheries and forestry into semi-commercial and commercial operations (MoA SDP). Subsistence agriculture still acts as the primary food security safety net for many rural communities. This was most starkly reinforced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where other sectors of the economy such as tourism and manufacturing contracted 7 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 and agricultural production expanded. While much of the additional food production was directed at ensuring household and community-level food security, considerable excess was sold to domestic markets and agricultural exports rose by over 11%. It remains to be seen whether the economic recovery from COVID-19 will contribute to greater youth participation in food system transformations. To date, many young people have been involved in a wide range of initiatives to expand the commercial aspects of primary production. As highlighted in 2.2 below from the 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census, Youth in Agriculture Analysis Report, youth are still relatively poorly represented in terms of access to land, water, forests, labour, knowledge, information, agricultural extension services, finance, credit, markets and technology for sustainable agri-food systems transformation. Further, young women, young people living with disabilities, young LGBTQI people and other marginalized populations face additional challenges and discrimination that require targeted support. As with other Pacific countries, agriculture brings an image of hard work, long grinding hours, little financial return, low social status and remaining beholden to community needs. It is often seen as the default option for those who are unable to succeed elsewhere – the so-called ‘drop-out’ option. The Ministry of Agriculture has made significant efforts to promote the benefits of youth involvement in agriculture through promoting success stories and engaging youth through social media. A more sustained and intentional research-based information campaign may be further instrumental in promoting agriculture as a viable career choice and attract young people into the agri-food system. Another key consideration is the risk and opportunities presented by migration. Young people are more likely to seek opportunities away from rural areas and move to the cities in search of work. The agricultural seasonal migration programmes to Australia and New Zealand are often very attractive to young rural men and women. While bringing much needed remittances, these programmes can also contribute to draining rural areas of their productive labour force. In addition to reducing rural-urban drift, productive agricultural livelihoods can also contribute to reducing juvenile delinquency and criminal behaviour. To generate substantive change, a holistic, integrated approach is required that addresses education and schooling, entry and retention in the sector, innovation, technological uptake, entrepreneurial and business skills and ultimately the requirements for building a successful lifelong career in the agri- food system. Young people need to be specifically consulted, targeted and their needs addressed. They cannot continue to be the ones sent to work in the fields while older farmers benefit from training, assistance, new technology or networking opportunities. Young farmers need to be supported so the country does not lose the unique creativity, energy and innovation they can bring to the sector. This is beyond the remit of any one ministry or actor, hence the need for a much wider policy that incorporates inputs across all relevant actors. The Ministry of Agriculture hosts the policy, with substantial engagement of the Ministries of Forestry, Fisheries, Youth and Sports, I-Taukei Affairs, Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Commerce Trade Tourism and Transport, Education and Rural Maritime Development and Disaster Management. As outlined in the next section, disaggregated data on youth involvement in agriculture, fisheries and forestry was collected as part of the Fiji Agriculture Census 2020 (FAC 2020). This data highlighted a number of constraints for young people in agriculture that form part of the evidence base for this policy. In addition to data from the 2020 FAC, policy consultations were held with selected young farmers, private sector actors, training institutions as well as government decision makers and external partners. Oversight and strategic guidance of the policy drafting and consultation process was provided by the inter-ministerial Youth in Agriculture Policy Working Group. 2.2 Findings of the 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census: IV. Youth in Agriculture Report Policy Consultation Process with Young Farmers In 2020, out of the total 83,395 farmers in Fiji, there are 27,810 young people (33 percent) who declare farming, fishing or forestry as their primary or secondary source of income. Overall young people are under-represented in agriculture. According to the 2017 census, 55 percent of the working population are considered youth, however only 33 percent of farmers are under 35. Young women are especially poorly represented as professional 8 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 farmers with only 3,667 (4 percent of all farmers) who consider their primary or secondary occupation to be farming. This relative ‘invisibility’ of young women in agriculture is reflected across all indicators including education, training, employment status, access to land and financial services. With regards to formal education, young farmers are overall better educated than the older generation. Youth are the only ones currently studying, represent 59 percent of the tertiary educated farmers and 68 percent of farmers with vocational education and are more likely to have completed their school leaving certificate. This improvement in education in young farmers compared to older ones has transformational potential, as young farmers may become more open to informed evidence-based change and use of new technologies. There is however a strong divide between young men and women when it comes to educational attainment especially in relation to vocational education. Access to technical training shows that over 75% of all training targets older farmers especially older men. Provision of agricultural assistance, especially from government, again favours older male farmers. Directly targeting youth for participation in government-led trainings and assistance programmes could lead to tangible improvements for young farmers. Access to productive resources is a challenge for young farmers. 70 percent of young farmers access traditional land however mataqali land is in the hands of village elders. For those on leased or freehold land, young farmers face inter-generational inheritance challenges that hinder youth access to arable land. In relation to equipment, youth utilisation of machinery is significantly lower than the older population. Hand tool ownership stands at 14% of households for young farmers and significantly less for small machinery and heavy machinery. The FAC 2020 data reveals that most farmers in Fiji are unpaid family workers (59 percent) or self- employed (40 percent), suggesting a predominance of subsistence agriculture. Youth are much more likely to be unpaid family workers than self- employed and under 1% are employers or wage earners. As young farmers grow older, they begin to transition from unpaid labour to either becoming self-employed or wage earners with young women more likely to become wage earners and young men to transition to becoming self-employed and running their own farms. Youths are more likely to be doing menial tasks such as planting, weeding, harvesting, working with coconuts and feeding livestock. Young women are more involved in processing of home produce for sale (26%) and in cleaning/washing/ drying and peeling activities (15%). Young women are well represented in the floriculture sector. The relative of importance of young women in marketing of produce (9 per cent) holds potential for further commercialization of agriculture. Youths are significantly less likely to be involved in livestock production or aquaculture compared to crops or fisheries. Asset requirements of land, infrastructure as well as the livestock itself and feed may act as entry barriers. Young women are even less likely than young men, apart from poultry feeding and management. Yaqona is the most significant cash crop for young farmers and cassava and dalo as food security crops. Adoption of technological innovation and digital technology has proven to be a significant incentive for young farmers entering the agri-food system in other contexts. Mobile phone ownership was used in the census as proxy indicator of digital access. Young farmers in Fiji have lower ownership of mobile phones compared to the older generation. Phone ownership increases with the age of farmer. Just under half (49.7 percent) of all farmers under 35 years old own a mobile phone compared with over 70 percent of farmers over 35. Young farmers also lack access to financial services compared to their older counterparts. Youth are less likely to have a bank account (27 percent) than their older counterparts. Young women farmers represent only 3 percent of all farmers with bank accounts. Young farmers lack access to credit when compared to older farmers. Eleven percent of farmers (171 households) with loans or credit are under 35 years old. The majority of these farmers are in the 27-35 year-old age bracket with only 1.2 percent of farming households under 27 having access to credit. Regarding knowledge on climate change, 80% of households across all age brackets declared knowledge of climate change with only 4% claiming no knowledge. This high percentage presents opportunities for generating innovation and adaptation. 2.3 Challenges that hinder youth involvement as raised by youths in consultations 9 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 In the preparation of this policy document, the Ministry of Agriculture organized a series of stakeholder consultations with youth groups, young farmers and other external stakeholders. During these consultations, participants were asked to identify their greatest challenges, the opportunities in the sector and strengths that young people bring. These responses have been clustered and presented below. Challenges that hinder youth involvement in agriculture include: o Farming is not perceived as attractive - usually seen as a last resort for young people o Young farmers have low management capacity – time, financial, land, planning o Disasters, climate change, pests and diseases threaten retention of young farmers in the sector o Young farmers face financial constraints – access to capital, loans, banking services o Market access is a challenge for many young farmers o Many young farmers reported access to land was challenging as well as road access o Limited access to tools and equipment o Limited access to agricultural inputs – seeds, planting material, fertilizer o Crop damage/livestock/crop loss/theft/ stray animals o Cultural relationship challenges – Veiwekani, peer pressure, gender relations limit female youth farming, bolebole/dredre (arrogance/ limitations) o Loss of traditional knowledge and training/ mentoring opportunities o Lack of agricultural and business knowledge – limited education attainment o Lack of communication o Soil destruction/lack of sustainability o Lack of farm visits from technical experts o Not following health protocols 2.4 Opportunities that promote youth participation as raised by youth in consultations Motivation: o subsistence needs – provide food for the family/community o food security – protect the family and community o traditional/culture – agriculture as expression of traditional culture and knowledge o responsibility/generational legacy – follow older generations recommendations o source of income and livelihoods – financial independence o source of employment – identity, self- confidence o peer pressure – follow your peer group o career choice (realizing agri-opportunities) – understanding of the commercial opportunities o pandemic contributed to massive increase in youth enaggeemnt in agriculture as other sectors contracted, o own boss – ability to decide your own work inputs o explore new opportunities/ideas/aspects – potential for innovation Strengths young people bring: o solesolevaki concept – organized disciplined communal labour through cluster groups o openness to training and trialing of new ideas o educated – many young people have higher literacy and numeracy levels o energy – young people have enthusiasm and strength o innovation/technology – open to adoption and interested o risk takers – young people more open to trial and error o creativity - young people are more open to new ideas o independence – young people often are not burdened by families and responsibilities o self-help – youth groups provide mutual support for self-improvement to members 10 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 3. Relationship with other Policies of the Government of Fiji The 5-year and 20-year Fiji National Development Plan outlines strategies to ‘empower youth to be agents of change’ as well as ‘promoting entrepreneurial culture through sustainable micro, small and medium enterprises.’ Within the non-sugar agriculture sector, the NDP seeks to promote ‘competitive, sustainable and value-adding agriculture’ that is applicable to young farmers. At the Ministry level, Government of Fiji has clearly articulated a strategic vision for the agriculture sector which includes crop, livestock, forestry and fisheries (including aquaculture) through the development of sector level strategic development plans. The Ministry of Agriculture is guided by its Strategic Development Plan that provides an overarching framework, targets and indicators for the annual Costed Operational Plans and budget. The MoA SDP 2019-2023 identifies the lack of participation of youth and women as a structural challenge to be addressed. Outcome 2.2 seeks to increase participation of women and youth in the crop and livestock agriculture sector principally through greater engagement of registered youth groups and young farmers in MOA-supported clusters. The ongoing drive from MoA to create an enabling environment as well as active promotion of the growth of commercial agriculture in Fiji is particularly relevant for rural youth. In relation to the expansion of commercial opportunities in the agri-food system, MCTTT SDP through the Fijian Trade Policy Framework 2015- 2025 includes relevant strategic priority areas such as improving market access for Fijian Made goods and services in international markets, promoting the production and consumption of Fijian Made goods and services and improving livelihoods through Co-operatives, young entrepreneurs and micro and small enterprise as well as delivering timely financial support services through transparent and accountable financial management processes and practices. While drawing strongly from the primary production sector, this policy is equally guided by the Ministry of Youth and Sports National Youth Policy 2011 that includes priorities related to youth empowerment, livelihood opportunities, life skills training and environmental sustainability including climate change. The draft inter-ministerial Food and Nutrition Security Policy stands as a policy model for future multi-sectoral cooperation. 4. Strategies for Change Vision: Young people are empowered for active participation across all aspects of the agri-food 11 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 system. Goal: To actively promote youth engagement across the agri-food system to strengthen food and nutrition security, commercial agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and climate and disaster resilience. Objectives: 12 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 13 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Objective 1: Increasing Access to Productive Resources, Financial Services and Markets This policy objective has four desired outcomes. These relate to the increase in youth access to economic resources that is required for fully productive and resilient agriculture and markets: 1.1 Increased youth access to agricultural land 1.2 Increased youth access to equipment, tools and agro- inputs 1.3 Increased youth access to financial services 1.4 Increased youth access to markets The purpose of this objective is to respond to limited youth access to productive resources, financial services and markets. As highlighted in the FAC 2020 and reinforced in policy consultations, young farmers and especially young women are disproportionally represented in their access to land, equipment, agro-inputs, bank accounts and credit. Traditional i-taukei land which accounts for 89.75 percent of available land in Fiji is in the hands of mataqali clan elders (TLTB website). It is at the discretion of each mataqali to allocate land to its younger clan members. Often it can be remote or hilly land or require significant land preparation. Access in an out of these farms can often present significant hurdles for young farmers especially in getting produce to market. It also does not favour young women’s access who are often encouraged under village culture, to stay closer to the home and domestic duties. Land holdings also tend to be small, temporary and without titling documents, discouraging access to capital from commercial banks. Oftentimes, youth cohorts in the form of youth groups are granted access to land and encouraged to use traditional communal labour solesolevaki to work it. This is less the case for older farmers who tend to have more formal land arrangements. Individual entrepreneurship, while encouraged, can be a challenge under these communal conditions. A blend of communal and individual commercial agriculture programmes have been trialled with some success. Leadership and mentoring are critical components for the success of these initiatives and should be supported where possible. For young farmers with limited access to traditional land, there is concern around lease expiry, farm succession and availability and cost of further land leases or freehold land. In addition to typically having less access to land than older farmers, young farmers own fewer of the working animals, tools and machinery or vehicles needed for farming and are less likely to use agro-inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, veterinary medicines, animal and fish feeds, and mechanical tools. In Fiji, young farmers represent a third of all farmers, yet under half of them (14 percent of total) have access to their own hand tools. They make up only 10 percent of users of small machinery and only 11 percent of borrowers (Government of Fiji 2022). This limits young farmers yields, catches and harvests. Improving access to these inputs can increase food security, climate and disaster risk reduction, and commercialisation of agricultural production for the whole community. Actively promoting youth engagement in livestock production was another area requiring dedicated attention as the livestock sector is dominated by older farmers. Policy consultations repeatedly identified young farmers concern with access to markets. Physical access in terms of farm roads and vehicle access was raised especially as often young farmers are allocated land further from the village but also markets with stable and predictable prices for their produce. Supporting the expansion of the export sector to smallholder farmers was raised an area of potential growth. Actions for achieving Objective 1 in each ministry’s plan will mainly relate to removing the barriers to youth access. For example, working with i-Taukei Land Trust Board or Committee for Better Utilisation of Land to prioritise youth access to arable land; working with the banking sector to streamline the procedures and eligibility for young farmers in accessing finance and finding alternative methods of assessing credit worthiness, including those based on productivity records rather than holding land titles; or, establishing targets and quotas for commercial agriculture development programs so that young farmers can access equipment and machinery to modernise production methods; increasing youth access to markets whether through supporting intermediaries such as Agro-Marketing Authority (AMA) or through the further development of farm roads and transport support to young farmers. 14 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Objective 2: Enhancing Knowledge, Education and Skills This policy objective has four desired outcomes which contribute to the gradual increase in knowledge, education and skills of young farmers. Access to these services not only helps secure livelihoods and healthy diets, but also contributes to productive young farmers remaining and thriving in the sector. Outcomes: 2.1 Education opportunities for young farmers are reviewed and enhanced 2.2 Youth are better targeted and prioritized for training opportunities. 2.3 Youth-inclusive extension services and programmes are promoted. 2.4 Perceptions of agriculture are improved for young people The purpose of this objective is to promote youth access to enabling services. Improving education for rural livelihoods, information, training as well as enhancing the overall perception of primary production for young people is one of the most efficient ways to further the agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry sectors and to help achieve results regarding poverty reduction, food security and nutrition, health and education. The changes required to modernise the agriculture sector in Fiji will require complimentary efforts in the formation of a skilled, modern, rural labour force. It is critical to ensure that agricultural education from primary and secondary school through to tertiary and vocational levels is fit for purpose and preparing young farmers for a lifelong career on the land. Reviewing and updating agricultural education to be demand driven and fit for purpose will facilitate entry and retention of skilled farmers and small business owners in the sector. Young farmers today are much better educated than their older counterparts. This improvement in education in young farmers has transformational potential, as young farmers may become more open to evidence-based change or to adopt innovation or new technologies. In order to maximise this advantage however, additional support is required for young people to become effective change agents. Promoting youth access to agricultural training through farmer field schools for example as well as technical trainings on value chains, marketing and quality standards are critical to harnessing young farmers energy and motivation. A holistic approach to training and mentoring that includes life skills, financial and business training, time management, planning and leadership as well as specific agricultural practices is more likely to be successful for young people then focusing solely on sector specific targeted interventions (Conversations with MoYS). Ensuring young women are well represented in trainings as well as targeting training to specific sub-sectors relevant for young women will contribute to reducing the ongoing gender inequality in the sector. While MoA should seek to prioritise young farmers to participate in all its training opportunities by establishing quotas and targets, it is also important that youth-only and youth-specific trainings are designed and delivered that address youth relevant issues as well as provide youth a safe space to express themselves and demonstrate leadership. In Fiji, there are gaps in participation of extension services in agriculture, fisheries and forestry training, for both young women and men. The Fiji Agriculture Census found that just 10.3 percent of people in agriculture households declaring farming as their primary or secondary occupation attended agricultural training. While youth represent 33% of all farmers, only 25% of all farmers receiving agricultural training in the past 12 months were under 35. Young women represented only 2% of farmers receiving agricultural training (Government of Fiji 2022). Ensuring sex and age disaggregated data is collected and youth quotas or targets are established that guarantee youth access to extension services and training will increase youth participation. A perception exists among youth in Fiji, as elsewhere, that agriculture is seen as the last resort or the ‘drop out’ option for rural youth. It brings an image of hard work, long grinding hours, little financial return, low social status and remaining beholden to community needs. Changing the image of agriculture to be ‘cool’ with potentially high financial returns, use of technology such as drones and the opportunity of being your own boss for example, can contribute to attracting and retaining Fiji’s young people in the sector. The positive transition of MoA administrative processes to online applications and digital communication platforms must ensure sections of the young rural populations they seek to serve are not excluded as a result of either lack of access to 15 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 digital services or low digital literacy. Actions for achieving Objective 2 in each ministry’s plan will largely relate to firstly reviewing the formal education sector that prepares young people; secondly, designing and allocating resources to programs targeting where young men and women can learn about the technologies, services and techniques they can adopt and; thirdly, designing information campaigns to promote young people’s entry and retention in the sector. Objective 3: Supporting Innovation and Transition to Commercial Agriculture This policy objective has three desired outcomes. These include components that promote innovation and change as well as facilitate the transition to commercial agriculture for young farmers. This objective seeks to modernise the sector to be more productive, profitable and accessible to young farmers. 3.1 Increased young people’s access to emerging technologies, innovation and networking support 3.2 Increased capacity and opportunities for entrepreneurship and small business management for young people in the agri- food system 3.3 Increased value adding opportunities for young agro-entrepreneurs. Innovation is critical to transforming the food system. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) including mobile phones and digital tools are bringing new vibrancy and potential to agricultural practices worldwide. Young people are often more receptive to the adoption of these emerging technologies, practices, ideas or products but may require targeted support. Access to mobile phones is particularly important to bridge the digital divide and provide such things as agricultural market pricing information, weather and natural hazard warnings, online trainings, information exchange in sub-sector producer groups and associations, information about animal disease outbreaks, auctions and vaccination drives. Only half of young farmers have access to a mobile phone while 70% of older farmers have a mobile phone (Government of Fiji YiA Report 2021). The use of drones for land use mapping and disaster assessment or use of blockchain for traceability or bespoke organic certification are examples of innovation raised in the policy consultations that would benefit from support for trials and further investment. An innovation fund seeking good ideas from young agri-entrepreneurs has been effective in other countries and sectors to promote prototyping and testing of new agricultural products and ideas. Strategic Priority 4 of the MoA SDP aims to accelerate the process for transitioning smallholder farmers to commercial levels. While maintaining community based food security, this transition can be spearheaded by young farmers with the right incentives, stimulus and targeting. Initiatives outlined in the SDP where young farmers could be specifically targeted include increasing commercial production, training and assistance, support to agro- processors and exporters as well as institutional building for farmer networks, cooperatives and business. During consultations, young farmer groups also referred to the importance of networking hubs, incubation labs, digital knowledge platforms for information sharing and learning. Value adding and small scale processing at community level through cooperative business development have been raised by young farmers as good entry points for further developing agri-food entrepreneurial activities as did agri-tourism. Social innovation is a process involving shifts in ideas, values, roles and relationships, as well as new organizational models that create and implement fresh solutions to social and ecological problems. It can appear in the form of time banks and other forms of a barter economy, social and community enterprises, and community finance, marketing and development initiatives. The response to the challenges brought about by COVID-19 for example led to such social innovations as Barter for Better Fiji that brough digital technology and primary production together with traditional exchange modalities. Actions for achieving Objective 3 in each ministry’s plan will promote the adoption of new technologies, promote new products and new ways of working. Where possible, value add to primary production will be encouraged across the sub-sectors. Objective 4: Strengthening Sustainability and Climate/Disaster Resilience This policy objective has three desired outcomes. These include components that strengthen resilience to climate change and disaster risk as well as promote sustainability and agro-ecological 16 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 practices. 4.1 Increased capacity of young rural people to better prepare, respond and recover from natural disasters 4.2 Increased capacity of MoA to lead, coordinate and inspire climate resilient and sustainable agriculture 4.3 Increased capacity of young farmers in agro-ecology and environmentally sustainable practices. The impacts of climate change are threatening crop and livestock production, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture. Slow onset impacts, such as unpredictable rainfall, drought, higher temperatures, new pests and saltwater intrusion from sea-level rise, are taking their toll on agricultural production. Sudden onset disasters, especially cyclones are very damaging to primary production with wind, flood and coastal storm surge impact. These changes contribute to young farmers dropping out of agriculture and migrating elsewhere which can perpetuate food insecurity and poor nutrition outcomes for smallholder farmers, vulnerable communities and rural youth. Young farmers in Fiji will not only need to find creative ways to reduce the carbon footprint that agriculture is currently responsible for, but also ensure agricultural production adapts to radically more challenging climatic conditions. Initiatives such as weather based parametric micro-insurance coupled with climate smart agricultural practices that reduce emissions but more importantly assist with adaptation to climate change are critical in the short to medium term. In addition, awareness raising, information management and access to climate data are critical. Risk awareness should inform all MoA interventions and trained and dedicated staff within MoA should coordinate and lead these initiatives. Under Fiji’s Climate Act, Fiji has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, which will impact significantly the next generation of Fijian farmers seeking to limit emissions while producing food for an increasing population. Agro-ecology, environmental protection, organic agriculture, preservation of biodiversity and other sustainable and regenerative practices have been successfully integrated into agricultural practice by young farmers around the world. Effective land use planning, management of erosion and soil protection are key tools to ensure sustainability. These best practices and international lessons can be effectively integrated by young Fijian farmers into their farming techniques, especially where production is small-scale and not too intensive. Traditional knowledge on agriculture such as seasonal calendars and organic soil regeneration can be coupled with modern scientific research to promote ecological sustainability for future farming generations. 1. Governance Arrangements and Implementation Approach The Ministry of Agriculture will pursue its sector specific Plan of Action outlined in Annex III. This Action Plan will be incorporated into MoA’s annual Costed Operational Plans and accompanying annual budget submissions. Progress will be measured though the Logical Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation in Annex II. To ensure good coordination, the inter-Ministerial Youth in Agriculture Working Group, founded for the development of this policy, will continue to meet regularly to monitor implementation, exchange best practices and prepare coordinated advice to the leadership of the ministries. The governance arrangements for the policy directly involve the Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Youth and Sports and less directly the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management and Ministry of the Economy. These will coordinate to jointly monitor the policy’s progress against the Action Plans, via a comprehensive logical framework listing the indicators to be measured for each activity, outcome and objective, across all ministries. The governance body will comprise at least one senior representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as representatives from the indirect ministries. It will be co-chaired by the two lead agencies for the policy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Youth and Sports. 2. Monitoring and Review Arrangements and Allocation of Resources The duration of the Youth in Agriculture Policy in Fiji is five years, from 2022 to 2027. During this time, a mid-term review of the policy will be conducted after three years in 2025, and again after five years in 2027. The comprehensive logical framework at Annex II, listing the indicators proposed to be measured for 17 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 the vision, goal, objectives and outcomes, across all ministries, has been guided by the SDG targets and indicators and the known surveying and statistics capacity of national institutions, particularly the evidence produced in future Fiji Agriculture Censuses (including planned mini-Censuses) as well as interim data and statistics collection efforts by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics and the statistical units in the agriculture-related ministries. Some new criteria and measurements also need to be initiated by the ministries, in order to completely evaluate the progress and eventual impact of the policy. Targets and costs for the priority actions of individ- ual ministries will need to be estimated for the five years from 2022 to 2027 and included in the Action Plans in Annex III. Existing budgetary allocations available in the re- spective ministries targeting young people in agri- culture such as the MOYS Farm Development and Incubator Programmes and other policies, strategic and operational plans are noted, while new funds required will need to be estimated by each ministry. Formal submissions for these funds is expected to be made by the relevant ministries under the nor- mal budget preparation cycle. 18 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 REFERENCES FAO. 2019. Youth in motion for climate action! A compilation of youth initiatives in agriculture to ad- dress the impacts of climate change. Rome. Available at https://www.fao.org/3/ca5746en/CA5746EN.pdf FAO. 2021. SIDS Solution Forum 30-31 August 2021: Gender, women and youth: Implications for innova- tion and digitalization Pacific: 30-31 August 2021. Available at https://www.fao.org/3/cb5760en/ cb5760en.pdf FAO, IFAD and CTA. 2014. Youth and Agriculture: Key Challenges and Concrete Solutions. Food and Agricultural Organization of the UNICEF Nations, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Technical Centre for Agricultural and Ru- ral Cooperation (CTA). Available at https://www.fao. org/3/i3947e/i3947e.pdf Fiji Ministry of Agriculture 2019 Strategic Develop- ment Plan 2019-2023 available at https://www.agri- culture.gov.fj/documents/SDP2019-2023.pdf Fiji Ministry of Agriculture and FAO. 2021a. 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census: Volume I: General Table & De- scriptive Analysis Report. Available at https://www. parliament.gov.fj/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ VOLUME-I DESCRIPTIVE-ANALYSIS-AND-GENER- AL-TABLE-REPORT.pdf Fiji Ministry of Agriculture and FAO. 2021b. 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census: Volume III: Gender Analysis Report. Available at https://www.parliament.gov. fj/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/VOLUME-III GEN- DER-REPORT.pdf Fiji Ministry of Economy. 2020. Fiji Climate Finance Snapshot 2016–2019. Suva, Fiji. 55 pages. Available at https://fijiclimatechangeportal.gov.fj/wp-con- tent/uploads/2021/12/Fiji-Climate-Finance-Snap- shot-2016-2019.pdf Government of Fiji, World Bank, and Global Facili- ty for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. 2017. Fiji 2017: Climate Vulnerability Assessment – Making Fiji Climate Resilient. World Bank, Washington, DC. Available at https://cop23.com.fj/wp-content/up- loads/2018/02/Fiji-Climate-Vulnerability-Assess- ment-.pdf HLPE. 2021. Promoting youth engagement and em- ployment in agriculture and food systems. A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Se- curity, Rome. SPC 2021 POLICY REVIEW No: 02 | 2021 FARMING THE FUTURE – YOUTH-INCLUSIVE AGRICULTURE POLICIES, RESOURCING AND PROGRAMMES FOR A RESILIENT PACIFIC TLTB Land Ownership in Fiji Booklet Website https:// www.tltb.com.fj/getattachment/Media/Brochures/ Land-Ownership-in-Fiji-Booklet-(1).pdf.aspx- ?lang=en-US TRTC (Tutu Rural Training Centre). 2011. Lessons in Non-Formal Adult Education for Self Employed in Ag- riculture. Prepared by Andrew McGregor, Livai Tora with Geo Bamford and Kalara McGregor. Available at https://pafpnet.spc.int/attachments/article/120/ TRTCenter.pdf Vunibola, S and Scheyvens R (2019) Revitalising rural development in the Pacific: An itaukei (indigenous Fijian) approach. Development Bulletin 81. Massey University 19 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Annex I. Stakeholders Consulted in the Formulation of the Policy Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, MCTT Ministry of Agriculture, MoA Ministry of Economy, MoE Ministry of Health and Medical Services, MoHMS Ministry of iTaukei Affairs Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management (MRMDDM) Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, MoWCPA Ministry of Youth and Sports, MYS Youth Farmer Groups in Central Division – Naitutu, Fiji Crop and Livestock Council, FCLC Fiji Development Bank Pacific Disability Federation Adventist Development and Relief Agency, ADRA Fiji Agriculture Marketing Authority, AMA Australian High Commission in Suva Delegation of the European Union in the Pacific Pacific Community (SPC) UN WOMEN Wildlife Conservation Society in the Pacific Consumer Council of Fiji 20 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Annex II. Logical Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation Youth in Agriculture Policy Indicators Baseline Information Source Proposed Means of Verification Important Risks and Assumptions Vision: Young people are empowered for active participation across all aspects of the agri-food system. Goal: To actively promote youth en- gagement across the agri-food system to strengthen food and nutrition security, commercial agricul- ture, sustainable liveli- hoods and climate and disaster resilience. Percentage increase in youth declaring agricul- ture their primary or secondary occupation. 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census: Youth in Agri- culture Analysis. Mini Census (every 5 years). The Government conducts regular surveys and mini-cen- suses to record number of youth engaged in agriculture Objective 1: Increasing Access to Productive Resources, Financial Services and Markets 1.1 Increased youth access to agricultural land Percentage of young farmers (including jointly) who own or lease land Average produc- tive farm size (Ha) owned or leased by young farmers Average area of land accessible to young men and women 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census: Youth in Agri- culture Analysis. i-Taukei Land Trust Board reports. Mini Census (every 5 years). Integrated agriculture survey, starting 2023. The Government conducts regular surveys and mini-cen- suses to that measure farm size and land/forest/ fishing ground access area sizes. 21 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Youth in Agriculture Policy Indicators Baseline Information Source Proposed Means of Verification Important Risks and Assumptions 1.2 Increased youth access to equipment, tools and agro-inputs Percentage of youth who own/ access agricul- tural tools and machinery. Value in FJD of agricultural equipment and tools owned by youth in the agri- culture sector. 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census Mini Census (every 5 years) Agriculture ministry program records / monitoring reports only for those assist- ed/ Other stakeholder data Criteria for agricultural equipment and tools, and categories, are established. 1.3 Increased youth access to financial services Percentage of young farmers who access finance (loans or credit) for agricul- tural purposes. Value in FJD of formal loans, credit and grants disbursed to young women and to young men in the agri- culture sector. 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census: Youth in Agri- culture Analysis. Mini Census (every 5 years) Banking industry body reports. Agriculture ministry program records. (Fisheries, Forestry) Development partner program records. 22 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Youth in Agriculture Policy Indicators Baseline Information Source Proposed Means of Verification Important Risks and Assumptions 1.4 Increased youth access to markets Percentage of young farmers selling produce through AMA Percentage of young farmers who have digital access to market information. Number of young farmers benefit- ting from new/ rehabilitated farm roads Agro-Marketing Authority records MoA annual reports Agro-Marketing Authority records to include age variable Mini Census (every 5 years) Farming/fishing ap- plications download data. Agricultural market information system download data. AMA collects sex and age disaggregated data Objective 2: Enhancing Knowledge, Education and Skills 2.1 Education oppor- tunities for young farmers are reviewed and enhanced Education re- views conducted and recommen- dations adopted Percentage of schools with op- erational school gardens Ministry of Education reports Ministry of Education reports 2.2 Youth are better targeted and prior- itized for training opportunities. Number of young persons trained in • production practices and/ or technolo- gies • income-gener- ating activities or business management • life skills and personal development including lead- ership Percentage of young women and men trainees who are satisfied with agriculture training pro- grams. 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census: Youth in Agri- culture Analysis. MoA and partner training reports Young farmers are motivated and available to participate in trainings. Participant satisfaction rating in agriculture ministry train- ing programs are conducted and disaggregated by age and gender. 23 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Youth in Agriculture Policy Indicators Baseline Information Source Proposed Means of Verification Important Risks and Assumptions 2.3 Youth-inclusive extension services and programmes are promoted. Percentage of young men and women partici- pating in exten- sion activities – ffs, farmer listing, CADP Number of extension officers receiving Youth in Agriculture policy orientation Percentage of young women and men farmers who are satisfied with MoA exten- sion services. Regional offices monthly and annual reports MoA reports Participant satisfaction rating in agriculture ministry exten- sion services are conducted and disaggregated by age and gender. 2.5 Perceptions of agri- culture are improved for young people Percentage of youth aware of the campaign and indicating positive reaction Baseline survey Social media com- ments/feedback Survey results Only young farmers with phones or internet access will participate Objective 3: Supporting innovation and transition to commercial agri-business 3.1 Increased young people’s access to technologies, innova- tion and networking support Percentage of young women and men who own mobile phones in agricul- tural households. Usage statistics of agriculture- relevant apps by women and by men, in agricul- tural households. Participation numbers of young farmers in networking hubs 2020 Fiji Agriculture Census: Youth in Agri- culture Analysis. Mini Census (every 5 years) Mobile telephony industry body reports. Social media reports and comments 24 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Youth in Agriculture Policy Indicators Baseline Information Source Proposed Means of Verification Important Risks and Assumptions 3.2 Increased capacity and opportunities for entrepreneurship and small business man- agement for young people in the agri-food system Number of suc- cessful initiatives for young farmers through: • business mentoring and training, • incubator schemes, • social financ- ing, • linkages for agri-tourism/ market niches, • certification and traceabil- ity, • cooperative business mod- els • CADP MCTTT reports MoA reports MoYS reports MCTTT reports MoA reports MoYS reports 3.3 Increased value adding opportunities for young agro-entre- preneurs Number of youth groups/coopera- tives that 1. engage in value adding activi- ties 2. integrate effectively into existing value chains Financial and technical assis- tance to young agro-processors MCTTT reports MoA reports MoYS reports FDB reports MCTTT reports MoA reports MoYS reports FDB reports Data can be collected through the relevant minis- tries and disaggregated by age and gender. Objective 4: Strengthening Sustainability and Climate/Disaster Resilience 4.1 Increased capacity of young rural people to better prepare, respond and recover from natural disasters Number of young farmers involved in community based disaster manage- ment initiatives Number of young farmers targeted for recovery pro- grammes Number of young farmers accessing disaster insurance NDMO CBDRM data FSLC Recovery plans Disaggregated insurance client records • FSLC Recovery plans and disaggregated beneficiary lists • NGO partner program records. • Disaggregated insur- ance client records • Recurring small-scale events that do not generate recovery support 25 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 26 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Youth in Agriculture Policy Indicators Baseline Information Source Proposed Means of Verification Important Risks and Assumptions 4.2 Increased capacity of MoA to lead, coordi- nate and inspire climate resilient and sustainable agriculture Finalization of the Consolidated Framework for Climate Change Resilient Agricul- ture supported by Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (CCDRM) Unit. Number of FSLC meetings held SDP M&E report FSLC meeting minutes • MoA Annual reports • Budget limitations contribut- ing to a fragmented approach to CCDRM 4.3 Increased capacity of young farmers in agro-ecology and envi- ronmentally sustainable practices. Number of MoA staff and farmers trained on sus- tainable resource management and climate smart agri- culture Number of young farmers adopt- ing sustainable agro-ecological practices MoA Reports • MoA annual report • Research papers • Guidelines • Age and gender disaggregated data is collected 27 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Annex III. Plan of Action for Ministry of Agriculture Objective Outcome Actions in MoA Targets 1. Increasing Access to Productive Resources, Finan- cial Services and Markets 1.1 Increased youth access to agricultural land • Support for identification and mapping of arable land for commercial agri-development. • Work with TLTB, CBUL and traditional landowners to design tailor made lease packages for young entre- preneurial access to arable land and address lease expiry (SDP SP4) • Work with land registration to encourage young men and women farmers gain some form of title to land • Support land preparation for young farmers seeking to transition to semi-commercial/commercial agri- culture. • Work with urban and land poor communities to pilot container, vertical and hydroponic farming systems • Link farm plans to GIS mapping of available arable land • 10 young farmers/ youth groups as- sisted to gain land leases annually. • 50 pilot initiatives for land poor farm- ers conducted • 80 young farmers supported with land preparation annually 1.2 Increased youth access to equipment, tools agro-inputs • Strengthen cooperatives and youth groups access to agricultural tools and equipment • Ensure youth targets are included in the distribu- tion of MoA tools, equipment, and agro-inputs such as improved seeds, livestock, fertilizers, veterinary products, animal feed. • Provide government support and training for youth purchase of agricultural machinery through co-fi- nancing/equity grants/subsidies • Increase youth participation in livestock production • Expand backyard gardening (SDP SP 1) • 15 cooperative and/ or youth groups are annually provid- ed with tools and equipment for communal use • At least 40% of MoA distributed tools, equipment and agro-inputs are allocated to young farmers • 50 new young farm- ers supported with livestock production annually across all commodities • At least 35% of all backyard gardening seeds are distribut- ed to youth. 28 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 1. Increasing Access to Productive Resources, Finan- cial Services and Markets 1.3 Increased youth access to financial services • Work with financial institutions to research and pro- mote tailored financial services to rural youth specif- ically targeting agri-food start ups (SDP SP 4). • Work with FNPF to promote youth participation • Work with insurance providers to target insurance products to young farmers and agro-entrepreneurs • 60% of young farm- ers have a bank account through incentives and promotion • MoUs signed with major banks to pro- mote rural finan- cial services 30% increase in rural youth participation in FNPF • 50 young farmers/ a g r o - e n t r e p r e - neurs/youth groups are supported to access finance for their business plan • 30% increase in ru- ral youth participa- tion in FNPF 1.5 Increased youth access to markets • Strengthen AMA’s accountability to target young farmers • Promote young farmers access to niche and export markets • Improve farm accessibility for young farmers through farm roads and support to transport. • Ensure FARS and other market information is ac- cessed by young farmers • Work with local government, private sector and partners to ensure youth groups have access to mar- ket infrastructure and post-harvest equipment. • All partner reports – exporters, FCLC, AMA, FDL, FMIB - clearly indicate dis- aggregated data on young farmers • 50 youth groups assisted to sell pro- duce in local mar- kets • Establish collection centres to facilitate market access and promote quality standards. 2. Enhancing Knowledge, Educa- tion and Skills 2.1 Education oppor- tunities for young farmers reviewed and enhanced • Work with MoEducation to review school agricul- ture curriculum for relevance to commercial farming, agro-entrepreneurship for young men and women – primary, secondary, tertiary and vocational. • Support Ministry of Education with gender-sensitive school gardening including livestock, inter school competitions, trial selling of excess produce and as- sess value chain opportunities. • Curriculum review report produced and recommenda- tions adopted • All schools with available land have school gardens including livestock • 20 schools have girl farming groups 29 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 30 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 31 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 2. Enhancing Knowledge, Educa- tion and Skills 2.1 Youth are better targeted and priori- tized for training op- portunities. • Actively measure and promote youth participation across all MoA agriculture training. • Design and deliver specific agriculture and business trainings to be provided solely to young farmers • Where possible, combine agricultural training for youth (MoA) with business skills (MCTTT) and life skills (MoYS) (SDP SP 2) • Where possible, combine agricul- tural training for youth (MoA) with business skills (MCTTT) and life skills (MoYS) (SDP SP 2) 2.2 Youth-inclusive extension services and programmes are promoted. • MoA Extension services – extension workers are ori- ented on this policy • Youth are actively targeted for all government agri- culture assistance programmes through targets or quotas (SDP SP 2) • Young farmers supported to establish own nurseries • 75% of MoA extension workers orientated on this policy • 30% of all govern- ment assistance tar- gets young farmers with a third of that targeting young women • 30% of young farmers provided with materials to establish their own nurseries as seed source 2.3 Perceptions of agriculture are improved for young people. • Research commissioned on perceptions of youth in agriculture including young women • Success stories, social media campaigns, TV shows, youth forums and other measures to counter nega- tive perceptions of youth in agriculture • Form a Young Farmers Association and youth farmer database with digital platform for information shar- ing and collaboration • Information cam- paign launched based on social re- search to generate positive perceptions of youth in agricul- ture • Design and deliver incentives, prizes, competitions, fairs, shows and other promoting events 3. Supporting Inno- vation and transi- tion to commercial agri-business 3.1 Increased young people’s access to technologies, inno- vation and network- ing support. • Work with MoYS, MCTTT, YEC and partners to sup- port co-working labs, incubation schemes, innovative knowledge sharing networks and platforms for young farmers and entrepreneurs • Work with telcos and private sector to promote digi- tal mobile communication, internet connectivity, and adoption of agricultural applications for rural youth. • Design MoA agricultural applications such as Vanua GIS, crop suitability, farm gaming apps • Develop mentorship between young aspiring farmers and commercial farmers • YiA network/plat- form established • 75% of young farm- ers have access to a mobile phone • 60% increase in youth access to agricultural apps • 50 youth farmers mentored by com- mercial farmers 32 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 33 Youth in Agriculture Policy 2022 - 2027 Youth in Agriculture Cover Front Youth Booklet Content for Web Youth in Agriculture Back Cover