ABSTRACT: Recently, involvement and sound achievements of today’s generation of youth in the commercial agricultural sector are increasingly strong and on the increase, even though the percentage is still very small. Thus, this article is aimed to examine the key factors that drive the youth to venture into commercial agriculture; graduates’ perceptions towards commercial agriculture; the contributing factors and why many young people refuse to venture into commercial agriculture; and trainings and skills needed as well as personal attributes of successful commercial agricultural entrepreneurs. This is a qualitative study with in-depth-interviews of five respondents among youth graduates. Results of this study have answered all of the research questions as well as identified a new finding which is the roles of informal mentor in helping the respondents to successfully venture into agriculture commercially. Respondents participated in virtual mentoring for direct access of information from the informal mentors who supervised and assisted them in starting up their first ground of commercial agriculture and throughout their success. Finally, based on the interviews, conclusion can be made that changes in time, respect, comprehensive supports, and incentives offered by the government agencies are vital in motivating young farmers to be successful agricultural entrepreneurs.

KEY WORDS: Youth generation in Malaysia, mentor, mentoring, agriculture, graduate students, entrepreneur, and business.

About the Authors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhasni Zainal Abiddin is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Professional Development and Continuing Education, Faculty of Educational Studies UPM (University of Putra Malaysia), 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; and Dr. Haji Syamsuhadi Irsyad is Rector of UMP (Muhammadiyah University of Purwokerto), Jalan Raya Dukuhwaluh, Purwokerto City, Central Java, Indonesia. E-mail: nonieza99@gmail.com and tukiranump@yahoo.com

How to cite this article? Abiddin, Norhasni Zainal & Syamsuhadi Irsyad. (2012). “The Involvement of Graduates Youth in Commercial Agriculture: Issues and Challenges” in EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies, Vol.5(1) August, pp.15-24. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press owned by ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java; and FKIP UMP in Purwokerto, Central Java, ISSN 1979-7877.

Chronicle of the article: Accepted (June 3, 2012); Revised (July 5, 2012); and Published (August 17, 2012).

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