Factors associated with youth participation in livestock farming and perceived sustainability of rural livestock systems in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Youth participation in livestock farming is increasingly recognized as a critical factor for the sustainability of rural livestock systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, declining interest among young people in agriculture threatens the long-term viability of communal livestock production systems. This study examined the determinants of youth participation in livestock farming and its association with perceived sustainability of rural livestock systems in South Africa. A convergent mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed, combining structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Data were collected from 360 respondents across selected communal livestock farming areas in Eastern Cape province. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results show that economic incentives (β = 0.41, p < 0.001), institutional support (β = 0.38, p < 0.001), technological incentives (β = 0.33, p < 0.001), and social factors (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) significantly increase youth participation in livestock farming, while barriers have a significant negative effect (β = −0.45, p < 0.001). Youth participation strongly influences the sustainability of rural livestock systems (β = 0.63, p < 0.001) and mediates the relationship between enabling factors and sustainability outcomes. The model explains 62% of the variance in youth participation and 58% of the variance in sustainability. The study concludes that youth participation is central to the sustainability of rural livestock systems and that effective incentive structures are essential to attract and retain young people in agriculture. Policy interventions should integrate economic empowerment, institutional support, and digital innovation to enhance youth engagement in livestock farming and strengthen rural livelihoods.