Agriculture 4.0 and NEET Youth Women from Rural Areas: Unlocking Opportunities
In recent years, the agricultural sector has witnessed a transformative shift with the emergence of Agriculture 4.0, characterized by the integration of digital technologies and smart farming practices. This technological revolution offers immense opportunities for NEET youth women from rural areas to engage in the agricultural workforce and overcome barriers to employment.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women make up an estimated 43% of the agricultural labor force in developing countries. By harnessing the potential of Agriculture 4.0, we can empower NEET youth women to actively participate in the sector and bridge the gender gap in agriculture.
Furthermore, the new topic of precision agriculture, enabled by technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, drones, and satellite imagery, allows farmers to optimize resource management and increase productivity. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighted that precision agriculture practices can significantly improve farm productivity, reduce environmental impact, and create employment opportunities for NEET youth women in rural areas.
The DG VET project in order to support this target group partners develop different kind of training courses and with the aim to enhance and improve significant elements of the project’s successful implementation, such as sustainability, transferability and accessibility to the project’s results, partners will develop an interactive e-learning platform, with an attractive & creative layout that will ensure a user-friendly environment.
Agriculture 4.0 holds immense promise for NEET youth women from rural areas, offering opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship, and increased participation in the agricultural workforce. By providing access to education, vocational training, and supportive policies, we can empower these young women to acquire the digital and agricultural skills necessary to thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape. As we harness the potential of Agriculture 4.0, let us prioritize gender equality and inclusive development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a sustainable and prosperous future.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. 2021-1-BE01-KA220-VET-000035895