NCBA - National Cooperative Business Association
04/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2024 08:46
The Countryside Calling: Youth Reshaping the Narrative of Rural Life
In the current cultural landscape where it's almost an assumed norm for young people to abandon their rural origins for the allure of urban prospects, the story of these three young farmers stands out as a testament to resilience and commitment to their agricultural heritage.
In the third Trainer of Trainers (ToT) event organized by the Resilient Agriculture Activity (RAA) in Barahona, DR, Jose Brito Madera, a veterinarian, and technician, commanded the attention of a room packed with 97 older-generation farmers. Despite being just 27 years old, Jose held sway over the audience, showcasing his proficiency in social media and contemporary farming techniques, and the articulation of both. Dubbed @agroliferd on platforms like Instagram, Jose boasts an impressive following of 382k, making him a coveted resource for his contemporary peers, but also to RAA's Producer Organizations (POs), who are keen on tapping into his insights. With a lineage spanning four generations of farmers, Jose's upbringing in the countryside, amidst livestock and natural landscapes, fostered a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and rural life.
In a time where the mass exodus of youth from rural areas to urban centers represents a demographic shift with profound implications for rural populations, according to the Dominican Republic 2010 census: more than 40% of internal migrants are youth, between 15 and 29; we must have youth like José who see the opportunities in the countryside. As more people choose to leave their countryside homes in search of new opportunities, those whose livelihoods are tied to agriculture are left particularly vulnerable to the pressures of migration. Luckily, just like him, RAA supports young farmers who have decided to stay in their communities and continue their agricultural pursuits.
As a community leader, Mauricio Acevedo, a dedicated youth supporter, part of Cooperativa Agropecuaria y De Servicios Múltiples Las Charcas De Maria Nova (COOPMARIANOVA) has seen many young people leave town in search of employment and education, leaving behind a void in his municipal; just like himself, having traveled back and forth to the United States for a while. Since being fully stationary in Las Charcas De María Nova, he has worked tirelessly to create opportunities and change the mindset of young people in his community. He identified the lack of employment as one of the main reasons why young people leave and has worked to implement training programs aimed at the youngest members of the town, in collaboration with local government and international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Fao) and Superáte. These programs offer courses in entrepreneurship, secretarial, and other skills in demand in the labor market, which equip youth with the necessary tools to pursue opportunities in their communities and contribute to local economic development.
Mauricio has also promoted sports and cultural activities, such as basketball and baseball tournaments, to strengthen young people's sense of belonging and emotional connection to their neighborhood. In addition, he highlighted the importance of educating young people about agriculture and the potential of eco-tourism in the area. That is why Mauricio has used digital platforms such as TikTok to create educational content on farming and entrepreneurship techniques. Like Jose, who found the use and power behind social media platforms, Mauricio's content has inspired many of his peers to consider the field as a viable employment option and to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
Aside from Mauricio's observation of youth leaving to seek out employment, Jose shares his perspective on youth migration stating "They (youth) don't see the opportunities the countryside offers for them. I think it has to do with misinformation… understanding in the countryside you can have great success, but it takes a little bit more time. Things don't happen from night to day."In a world where you can order anything from your cell phone and have access to it within a day's end, it is no surprise this generation finds the allure of the urban lifestyle appealing. Parents tend to think that in a world where technological convenience touches all aspects of our lives, traditional jobs such as farming have no relevance or opportunities to grow. Jose touches on this notion when he describes one of his biggest challenges, which was how to convince his father and other family members that he wasn't wasting his time. "It took time. Because I had to understand that for them a telephone wasn't the same to them that it was for me, that I grew up with it in my hand."
In the field, the RAA Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) report, has seen a good number of parents discouraging their children from working on the farm, motivating them to seek other opportunities. Older generations, despite being the ones leveraging the consequences of youth migration, are supporting the departure to urban areas. However, examples like Dawel Ramírez, whose parents have supported him in embracing his agricultural heritage, show the importance of not passing down a legacy, but a sustainable, always-needed livelihood. We need more parents willing to support their children's agricultural endeavors.
Dawel Ramírez,23 years old, from Cooperativa Agropecuaria y Servicios Múltiples De Técnicos y Productores Agropecuarios (COOPNATURA), an Agronomy student and formerly the youngest extension agent for RAA, has been setting himself up for success through a blend of academic pursuit and hands-on experience in the field. His proactive approach to professional development is evident in his participation in various training programs, spanning from Nursery Establishment and Management to Organic Input Production. These engagements have not only broadened his knowledge but have also honed his practical skills.
His newfound expertise has directly impacted his family's livelihood, as he now plays a pivotal role in assisting his father with agricultural endeavors. By leveraging his skills and knowledge, Dawel has become an invaluable asset in the family's agricultural pursuits, fostering a sense of continuity in their generational legacy.
Thanks to initiatives like the ones of Mauricio, Dawel, and other young community leaders, the allure of urban glamour is changing youth mindset to the embracing of roots, and championing countryside living. The commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among young people is essential to promote progress and ensure the inclusion of young people in local agricultural activity. Mauricio, Dawel, and Jose are all examples of how it is possible to transform communities and empower youth to build a prosperous future in their land.