Dissertation (MA Development Studies) Kazi haijakaa vizuri. Kuna numbering zilizojirudia (eg. kwenye tables and figures pia neno ACRONYM) pia table of contents numbering zina track changesYouths can be a formidable force in agricultural production if conditions are put in place for young Tanzanians to be trained in agriculture, given incentives to employ themselves in agriculture and to be employed in agriculture by private sector. If youths feel that agriculture is valued and is enabled (through efficient market systems) to help them afford life expenses, afford marriage, and establish their own homes, they can transform the agricultural sector in this country. While youths‘ability to contribute towards attaining food security cannot be underestimated, their apparent apathy towards agriculture and detachment from agriculture is a cause of concern and challenge to the development of agriculture as a source of employment in rural communities. This study investigates rural youths‘ apathy towards agricultural activities in Iringa Rural district in Iringa Region. Data were collected from 96 youths and six regional youth officers. Data was analyzed using SPSS package Findings indicated that more than half (61.5%) of respondents expressed unfavorable attitude towards agriculture citing reasons to high prices of inputs (66.7%), lack of capital (10.4%), lack of financial services, and poor markets . Also it was found that agricultural extension services were greatly missing. The majority of youths expressed complete lack of extensional services (84.4%). The study has realized that there is a need to provide social amenities and infrastructures that will make the youths live and work in the rural areas. Also there is need to stimulate youths‘ interest in agriculture through effective markets, provision of incentives, and reduction of costs of inputs.