Effectiveness of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Services (YESS) Program in Enhancing Entrepreneurship Among Millennial Farmers in Maros Regency

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Services (YESS) Program in enhancing entrepreneurship among millennial farmers in Maros Regency, using the indicators proposed by Steers regarding program effectiveness, which include goal achievement and adaptation. The problem of low farmer regeneration amid the vast agricultural land available to young farmers is an issue that needs to be addressed in Maros Regency through the development of farming interest within the YESS Program, which encompasses several planned activities. This study employs a qualitative method by examining in depth the implementation of the YESS Program, involving multiple stakeholders such as the DIT Maros Team from the Agriculture and Food Security Office, the PPIU Polbangtan Gowa, Mobilizers, Millennial Farmers, and several external companies and institutions collaborating in the program's implementation. The findings reveal that the YESS Program is sufficiently effective in addressing labor force issues and capable of promoting the formation of new entrepreneurs as well as enhancing entrepreneurship among millennial farmers. However, in practice, notable shortcomings were identified concerning human resources (beneficiaries/millennial farmers) who are inconsistent in managing grant funds, and the unstable motivation of young farmers to continue farming. Therefore, business continuity integration and proper supervision of grant fund management are still required. The high participation of young farmers needs to be followed up by the regional government in formulating policies that can enhance farmer entrepreneurship, thereby absorbing labor and increasing farmers' income.