Groundnut Production Constraints and Opportunities for Young Adults in the Senegalese Groundnut Basin

Young adults are the future of the Senegalese economy. But young adults in the rural areas face challenges like climate change, land degradation, and land tenure insecurity that will strongly shape the role that agriculture plays in their future livelihood strategies. This research note examines how young adults, 16 to 29 years of age, in rural areas of the Senegalese Groundnut Basin are positioning themselves to meet these challenges. First, we examine how the prevalence of out-migration of young adults influences rural household composition. Second, we look at the diversity of young adult occupations and participation in agricultural production. Particular emphasis is placed on participation in groundnut cultivation, since it is the primary source of income for most rural young adults in the Groundnut Basin and a cornerstone of the regional economy. Third, we examine how education and use of TV, radio, and social media may impact outreach and training efforts. Fourth, we examine experience, training, and aspirations in groundnut production. Fifth, we report young adult perceptions of current constraints in groundnut production, as well as constraints to future investment. We then provide additional details on young adult perceptions of, and adaptations to, the challenges of land tenure insecurity and climate change. The research note concludes by distilling implications for policies and technologies to support young adults as next generation farmers in the Groundnut Basin. A separate research note provides a field-level analysis of groundnut soilfertility management strategies, revenues, and expenditure of youth adults.