Abstract:

Job hunting could very well be the least desirable and most frustrating. Finding a job requires a hefty investment of time, energy, and patience. Nevertheless, the biggest hurdle might be overcoming the sting of rejection. However, a well-defined approach and strong organizational skills are key factors for achieving success. In today's competitive labor market, it is not enough to simply send out resumes and wait for opportunities to come knocking. A job-seeker who desires to stand out from the crowd and land a dream job needs a solid strategy in place. This book chapter explores some effective job strategies analyzing how job search trends can affect employment opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa’s agricultural sector. From clarifying one's goals to networking and beyond, there is a gap between how job seekers in the Agro-sector in Sub-Saharan Africa position themselves while searching for jobs. It is imperative to state that there is a high rate of youth unemployment in the Agro-sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. The pertinent question is, “Can unemployed youth be a source of new ideas and technologies for agriculture? What are the needed support systems or resources to encourage youth-led agricultural businesses? How can the image of agriculture be appealing to young people? By exploring these knowledge gaps, researchers and policymakers can develop strategies that are more effective for connecting unemployed youth with job opportunities in the agro-sector, ultimately contributing to the development and growth of agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This book chapter harnessed all the possible means of job search options available to these job seekers in the sector through a scoping review of past literature on job search in the field. The result revealed several job strategies available to job seekers within the sector. These include networking, utilization of career services, creating a competitive resume for the Agro-sector, demonstrating your passion for agriculture, researching potential employers, developing technical and analytical skills, and staying informed about innovations. Customizing application materials, considering alternative career paths, continuing professional development, persistence, and resilience are other strategies identified. The key strategies to support youths in the agro-sector are diversifying skill training and access to opportunities such as credit, land, finances, creating jobs in rural sectors, etc. Limited access to market-relevant skills and opportunities, a mismatch between youth aspirations and available opportunities, and inadequate support services and programs were the key challenges faced by youth in the agro-sector. Potential for unemployed youths within the agro-sector were identified as diversified training and access to resources, formalizing and supporting Artisanal and small-scale Mining (ASM), and recognizing youth agency and social transformation.

In light of the findings, the significance of different job search options in effectively addressing youth unemployment in the agro-sector and navigating the complex challenges presented by it, emphasizes the need to reimagine job employment for youths in the sector, especially in areas of job mismatch.

Keywords:

Job strategies, Agro-sector, job seekers, Sub-Saharan Africa.