Mapping the mindset: perceptions, barriers, and the agricultural participation of Omani youths

Abstract Youth disengagement from agriculture poses a growing threat to food security and economic diversification in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, yet empirical evidence on the drivers of youth agricultural participation intentions in this context remains scarce. This study empirically investigates the perceptions, barriers, and factors shaping the willingness of Omani youth to participate in agriculture, utilizing both descriptive analysis and a probit regression model. Despite perceiving agricultural work negatively, over two-thirds of the surveyed youth expressed willingness to participate in agricultural activities. Agricultural hubs emerged as the strongest institutional enabler, increasing the probability of willingness by 27.1% points, followed by family influence at 18.3% points and agricultural skills at 10.6% points. A curvilinear age effect peaked at approximately 24 years, identifying a critical demographic window for targeted interventions. Notably, awareness of government agricultural policies was negatively associated with willingness, suggesting a credibility and communication gap between policy frameworks and youth expectations. These findings highlight the need for integrated institutional support systems, family-inclusive outreach programs, and youth-centered policy reforms aligned with the aspirations of the next generation of Omani farmers.