Young people hear from prominent agricultural economist at land-based careers event
In April 2023, Writtle University College welcomed agricultural economist Dr Ikechi Agbugba to the New Faces For Farming event.
The residential weekend gave young people from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in agriculture the opportunity to learn about land-based careers.
The three-day event took place on Writtle University College's countryside campus and combined hands-on farm-based activities with advice and guidance.
Dr Agbugba has been carrying out research on food and agricultural marketing in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), since 2003.
He joined livestock veterinarian Navaratnam Partheeban and aquaponics business owner Chris Chipatiso for a New Faces For Farming panel that allowed young people to learn about multiple career routes within agriculture.
During the event, Dr Agbugba encouraged young people to take an interest in agricultural careers, while delivering a lecture on agricultural entrepreneurship and the importance of the sector.
He said: “The redistribution of resources, knowledge, and opportunities for youth innovation and engagement in the development of context-specific employment and labour policies can not only contribute to creating jobs for youth but can also directly support transitions to sustainable food systems.”
Writtle University College's Widening Outreach and Participation Officer, Amy Furney, added: “Thank you to everyone involved with this fun-filled weekend. It has been a fantastic collaborative effort across the institution and externally. We were so excited to meet and work with the farmers of the future and look forward to our next steps.”