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Abstract
This study assesses the nature of networking between youth and agricultural
policymakers – given youth disillusionment with agricultural livelihoods. Using the
Malawi case, a mixed methods approach shows that first local government departments
that are mandated to work on youth issues are the main hubs of information for youth
in agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture plays a secondary role. Second, the study
shows that youth in agriculture have little or no direct interactions with each other.
Therefore, youth remain on the periphery of agricultural policymaking and their role
in shaping agricultural policy dialogue is negligible. This is attributable to both lack of
a deliberate government policy to include the youth and lack of a unified youth
platform. The onus is therefore on the youth to ensure that they are effectively engaged
in agricultural policy dialogue. The study conclusions with policy recommendations
relevant for countries with the ‘youth/agriculture’ problem like Malawi.