Youth agency and participatory pathways in advancing sustainable agriculture entrepreneurship

Introduction Youth participation in sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship (SAE) is promoted across Sub-Saharan Africa, yet empirical evidence shows youth engagement remains precarious and constrained by structural, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers. Methods This qualitative case study, situated in Hwedza District, Zimbabwe, employed semi-structured interviews with 15 key informants and four focus group discussions with 32 youth participants across four purposively selected wards. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis, guided by an integrated framework synthesising Positive Youth Development Theory and Hart’s Ladder of Participation. Results Findings revealed that youth participation in SAE is co-produced through participatory quality, institutional recognition, and intergenerational power dynamics. Meaningful involvement in decision-making strengthened developmental outcomes (competence, confidence, contribution), while tokenistic inclusion, financial exclusion requiring parental guarantorship, politicisation of youth engagement, and substance abuse undermined entrepreneurial gains. Ward-level variation was pronounced: Watershed West exhibited higher-quality participation and stronger agency; Zviyambe remained structurally constrained. Youth proposed innovative rotational land stewardship models balancing customary authority with inclusion. Discussion The study concludes that transforming youth from beneficiaries into co-architects of agrarian futures requires institutional reforms that redistribute power, resources, and recognition. Implications for policy and practice are identified, including institutionalising youth representation on irrigation committees and embedding structured mentorship programmes.