Beyond the Exodus: A Critical Review of "The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems"

Abstract

This review examines the book The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2025). The book shifts the common narrative that portrays youth as leaving agriculture toward a more nuanced perspective that highlights young people who actively participate in agrifood systems but face structural constraints. Rather than attributing declining youth engagement to lack of interest, the book emphasizes systemic barriers such as limited land access, financial constraints, labor market conditions, and institutional policies. This framing situates youth not as a problem but as strategic actors in sustainable agrifood transformation.

References

FAO [Food and Agriculture Organization]. (2025). The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems. Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization: United Nations.
Glover, D., & Sumberg, J. (2020). Youth and Food Systems Transformation. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.00101
Reardon, T., Stringer, R., Timmer, C. P., Minot, N., & Daryanto, A. (2015). Transformation of the Indonesian Agrifood System and the Future beyond Rice: A Special Issue. Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies, 51(3), 369–373. https://doi.org/10.1080/00074918.2015.1111827
Toumbourou, T., Dressler, W., Sanders, A., Liu, E., Brown, T., & Utomo, A. (2023). Who are the future farmers? Media representations of youth in agriculture, food security and ‘modern’ farming in Indonesia. Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 64. https://doi.org/10.1111/apv.12374