Abandonment and indifference: structural factors of youth disinterest in agriculture in the 21st century

Abstract

Introduction: This research analyzes the structural factors that explain the low participation of young people in agricultural production activities in the Pastaza canton (Ecuadorian Amazon), given the evidence of a progressive aging of rural producers and a decline in youth interest in the agricultural sector. This phenomenon jeopardizes the sustainability of agricultural systems and generational renewal. Materials and methods: A qualitative, descriptive-interpretive approach with an applied design was used. The population consisted of 297 users registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAGP) in the Pastaza canton; a purposive sample of 7 young people participating in training programs was selected. Results: The average age of the producers exceeds 45 years, reaching up to 78 years in remote parishes, which demonstrates accelerated aging in the agricultural sector. Youth participation in training programs is marginal (only 7 out of 16 registered young people). Interrelated structural factors were identified: aging of the agricultural sector, lack of relevance of training programs, negative social perceptions of agriculture (low profitability, physical exertion, low social prestige), limited economic opportunities, and weak institutional coordination aimed at rural youth. Discussion: The findings confirm trends documented in the literature on rural aging and youth disinterest in agriculture in Latin America. The low youth participation coincides with research indicating that agricultural training programs do not consider youth interests or innovative methodologies. The negative perception of agriculture as a low-profitability activity with low social prestige aligns with studies on the construction of youth professional identity in rural environments. Conclusions: Youth disinterest is not due to a lack of personal will, but rather to an agricultural, training, and institutional system that does not create attractive conditions for new generations. A comprehensive intervention is required that integrates technological innovation, entrepreneurship, access to financing, and renewed training models to ensure the sustainability of rural development in the Ecuadorian Amazon.