Agritourism or Agro-tourism as it is defined most broadly involves any agricultural based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch.
The concept of Agro-tourism is a direct expansion of the Ecotourism which encourage visitors to experience agricultural life at first hand.
Agro-tourism is gathering strong support from small communities as rural people have realised the benefits of sustainable development brought about by similar forms of natural travel.
The youth are the heart of the community. The role of the youth as a catalyst and engine of growth, as well as primary source of opportunities for productive employment cannot be underrated.
It is also on record that many emerging economies are driven by the energies of the youth. Youth empowerment has therefore been adopted as a development tool.
According to the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, Prof Oladimeji Sanni, “a hungry man is an angry man”.
He said, “A study says, 842 million people are hungry and angry. Anger of 842 million hungry people could constitute a huge threat to global peace and security.
“Food security is a key thing to the growth and stability of any society. Food security is when people have access to sufficient, safe and nutritional foods for healthy life.
According to the Professor of Agriculture, “some issues that are affecting domestic and regional food security which resulted to low agricultural productivity includes low purchasing power, inefficient storage and distribution system. The increasing pressure on arable land due to urbanization is another factor.
“Another is limited financial investment support to agricultural enterprises, especially primary producers.
A study has shown that Nigerian farmers bear up to 80% to 90% of their enterprise risk,” he added.
He however urged the government to provide supports for the primary producers while encouraging the youths to go into farming, for agriculture could adequately be an alternative to oil as revenue generation in the country.
