How to Increase the Interest of the Younger Generation in Working in the Agricultural Sector?

Abstract

In Indonesia, the percentage of the younger generation working in agriculture is currently lower. Given that the younger generation makes up a larger portion of the workforce than other generations, the decline in their numbers is a serious issue. According to BPS data, there were only 20,500 young workers in South Sulawesi in 2022 compared to 36,576 in 2018. This indicates a decline in the number of workers in the region between 2018 and 2022. This has dropped by 43.96%; further investigation into this issue is crucial. Therefore, the primary goal of this research is to determine the reasons behind the younger generation's disinterest in working in the agricultural sector. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with a narrative research design using an auto-ethnographic approach. Informants were selected using a purposive sampling technique with a total of 10 people from a total of 178 Agribusiness students class of 2021, Hasanuddin University, Makassar. The study's findings indicate that the following factors contribute to the younger generation's disinterest in jobs in agriculture: 1) Unfavorable opinions about agricultural labor, which are typified by the notion that it is heavy, dirty, and less prestigious. 2) Stereotypes based on gender: women aren't supposed to work in agriculture. 3) Relative to other sectors, income is thought to be lower. 4) The absence of funding and the unpredictability surrounding agricultural enterprises. 5) The social environment, particularly that of peers and family. 6) Limited availability of contemporary technology. 7) A lack of knowledge about the advantages of working in agriculture.