Food Insecurity: Exploring the Challenges Faces by Youth Agropreneur
Abstract
Following the COVID-19 Pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the global food supply chain problem has become a hot topic of discussion today. Few countries-imposed food trade restrictions to increase domestic supply. As an urgent measure, Malaysia should revitalize and strengthen the agricultural sector to feed this country's growing population. Therefore, this study aims to explore the challenges faced by the youth agropreneur in Sabah, Malaysia. Focus Group Interviews with the youth agropreneur across five divisions in Sabah were conducted. A total of 26 youth agropreneurs were interviewed to investigate the challenges they are currently facing. The findings indicate a number of challenges faced by the youth agropreneurs. They include but are not limited to: i) high cost of agricultural input, ii) lack of market access and weak distribution channels, iii) low adoption of modern technology, iv) issues related to government assistance and implementing agencies, v) inadequate infrastructures and facilities, vi) lack of capital and resources, vii) climate change and natural causes, and viii) lack of knowledge and skills in agriculture. The study's findings provide insightful direction to policymakers to take further action to overcome the challenges faced by the agropreneurs. This can be done through, i) price control on agricultural input, ii) strengthened market access and distribution network, iii) effective talent development strategies, iv) adoption of modern technology and smart agriculture, v) financial and non-financial assistance, vi) provision of basic infrastructure and agricultural facilities, and vii) strengthened effectiveness and efficiencies of related agencies.
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About this article
Publication Date
06 May 2024
Article Doi
eBook ISBN
978-1-80296-132-4
Publisher
European Publisher
Volume
133
Print ISBN (optional)
-
Edition Number
1st Edition
Pages
1-1110
Subjects
Marketing, retaining, entrepreneurship, management, digital marketing, social entrepreneurship
Cite this article as:
Ambad, S. N. A., Andrew, J. V., Budin, D. K. A., Mawardi, F., Joseph, H., Damit, D. H. D. A., & Saptu, M. N. F. W. (2024). Food Insecurity: Exploring the Challenges Faces by Youth Agropreneur. In A. K. Othman, M. K. B. A. Rahman, S. Noranee, N. A. R. Demong, & A. Mat (Eds.), Industry-Academia Linkages for Business Sustainability, vol 133. European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences (pp. 271-285). European Publisher. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2024.05.23