Abstract:

This study explored the role of agribusiness opportunities in youth-led livelihood development activities. The objectives of the study are, to identify the significance of agribusiness’ role in youth livelihood development, to understand the potentialities of agribusiness for employment generation and to identify the barriers of the sector in Sierra Leone. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The study has shown that agribusiness has a great potential in diversifying employment opportunities for the youth. Its contribution for food security and the well-being of the community through livelihoods development is magnificent. The study further revealed as the sector is also not free from different challenges like shortage of improved agricultural technology, loose connection across the different stages of the value chain, mind-set of youth to go for agricultural activities and the weak linkage between agricultural productions with the markets. However, to fully realize the capacity of agribusiness in livelihoods development there needs to have a proper understanding of the market and value chain development. In addition to this, there is a need to build up the role of the private sector and support a more plural and strong enabling environment to enable a broader scale uptake of productive market focused approaches.

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