There is limited empirical evidence on how the growth of large- and medium-scale farms is affecting employment outcomes across the whole agricultural sector in developing countries, and especially among young people (age 15-35 years). A priori, it is impossible to determine how medium- and large-scale farms affect employment for young people in agriculture. Using employment data for young people in Tanzania, this study examines whether increases in the region-level share of cropping... Show moreThere is limited empirical evidence on how the growth of large- and medium-scale farms is affecting employment outcomes across the whole agricultural sector in developing countries, and especially among young people (age 15-35 years). A priori, it is impossible to determine how medium- and large-scale farms affect employment for young people in agriculture. Using employment data for young people in Tanzania, this study examines whether increases in the region-level share of cropping households that are medium- and large-scale farms (MLSFs) improve or worsen agricultural employment outcomes for young people. The outcomes include: (i) employment in crop/livestock production on own farm; (ii) self-employment in agribusiness activities and (iv) employment in agriculture via any of the first three categories above.Correlated random effects probit model results suggest that the growth of medium-scale farms is associated with reductions in the participation of young people in the production of crops/livestock on their own or their family’s farms. It is also associated with a reduction in the employment of young people in the agricultural sector overall. The growth of large-scale farms is associated with an increase in self-employment in agriculture by young people. The government needs to be cognizant of the effects of different farm sizes on employment. Medium-scale farms may not be an avenue to improve young people’s involvement in agriculture. However, large-scale farm expansion may improve young adult’s employment in agricultural employment Show less
