Organic vegetable sustainability strategies of youth farmer groups

Abstract

Sustainability simply focuses on meeting present needs, while considering future generations. Several organizations are passionate in providing adequate structures to drive this fundamental concept. In agriculture, youth farmer groups play a significant role in promoting sustainable technology adoption and innovation. Moreover, the success of these entities depends greatly on vital accomplishment as local institutions. This study was aimed at examining the internal and external factors influencing youth farmers' performance and effective development strategies, using IFE, EFE, IE, and SWOT matrix. The results of internal factors showed the greatest contribution of human resources was dominated by productive youth farmers, while inadequate use of technology to disseminate information and promotion occurred as the major weakness. However, the outcomes of external factors reported an above average position, based on EFE matrix analysis, due to increased demand for organic vegetable products. Furthermore, the maximum threat faced by these persons is assuming agriculture as not a lucrative sector. Overall, the conditions of youth farmer groups demonstrated a robust importance in maximizing potential opportunities and minimizing the existing threats.