Exploring the Pathways of Intention to Work in the Agribusiness Sector within a Green Economy Paradigm

Abstract

The agricultural sector contributes to the success of the green economy by prioritizing sustainable and environmental friendly development. The agricultural sector is a potential sector for the development of main and secondary employment opportunities. Efforts to encourage the younger generation to work in the agricultural sector can contribute to the green economy and the achievement of national SDGs. The objective of this research is to identify the work intentions of the younger generation in the agribusiness sector. This research uses quantitative methods and employs SEM-PLS analysis techniques. Primary data was collected by distributing questionnaires to 152 student alumni from different departments in all universities in Indonesia. These alumni are from the class of 2017-2020. The results show a relationship between knowledge, academic support, and intention to work in the agribusiness sector. Academic support mediates the influence of entrepreneurial behavior on agribusiness work intentions. Likewise, agribusiness knowledge influences academic support through entrepreneurial behavior. The research results show that agribusiness education has a significant contribution in developing the interest of the younger generation to work in the sector. The government can increase the younger generation's interest in the agribusiness sector by integrating agribusiness education into secondary and higher education curricula. With government support and the contribution of the younger generation, the agribusiness sector can become a catalyst for green economic growth.