A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF YOUTH MIGRATION AND ITS IMPACT ON AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

Abstract

Youth migration from rural to urban areas has become a significant demographic trend, particularly in developing countries, with far-reaching consequences for agricultural systems. The exodus of young people from agriculture due to lack of employment opportunities, unattractive working conditions, and limited innovation prospects has led to growing concerns over the sustainability, productivity, and generational continuity of farming. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the global research landscape on youth migration and its impact on agriculture, covering the period from 1984 to 2024. Using data sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases, a total of relevant 29 peer-reviewed articles were extracted and analyzed using the Bibliometrix R package and Biblioshiny interface. The analysis identifies trends in scientific production, key contributing countries, institutional collaborations, influential authors, and dominant research themes. Results reveal a notable surge in publication activity post-2019, reflecting increasing academic interest driven by issues such as climate change, rural employment, food security, and sustainable development. The United States leads in research output, while countries like India and Australia exhibit strong international collaboration. Thematic mapping and word cloud visualizations highlight employment, migration, and agriculture as core issues, with emerging interest in climate adaptation, digital agriculture, and youth career development.The study also identifies critical gaps in the literature, particularly the underdevelopment of themes such as land access, vulnerability, and localized youth dynamics. This bibliometric assessment offers valuable insights into the evolution of the field and serves as a foundation for future interdisciplinary research, evidence-based policymaking, and youth-focused agricultural initiatives. The findings underscore the urgent need to reposition agriculture as a viable and sustainable career for rural youth globally.