By:

Sharon Akinyi.

As the global population swells and the demands and shifts on our food systems multiply, the role of youth in agriculture and the food supply chain is increasingly pivotal. Despite their immense potential to revolutionize food production, driving innovation and sustainable practices, young people worldwide are largely disinclined towards pursuing a career in agriculture. This poses a significant barrier to achieving sustainable food systems, particularly in developing countries where most of the world’s food is produced by aging smallholder farmers.

Addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort to bridge the knowledge gap and provide youth with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in the agricultural sector. As identified by UN Women in their report “Opportunities for Youth in Rural Business and Entrepreneurship in Agriculture,” insufficient access to knowledge, information, and education stands as a primary obstacle, particularly for rural youth.

In a plenary session during the International Research Conference “From Research to Impact: Towards Just and Resilient Agri-food Systems” with a theme on “Preparing future-ready youths for agri-food challenges,” a panel of experts contributed to the conversation on fostering youth participation in agrifood systems.

While speaking at the session, Laura Estelle Yeyinou Loko, a 2020 One Planet Laureate Candidate, emphasized the crucial role of mentoring young individuals within the agrifood systems, stressing its significance in their personal and professional growth and in building a steady pipeline of African professionals working the critical sector. She further noted that to prepare students for the evolving landscape of agrifood, it is imperative for colleges and universities to innovate in their pedagogical methods and curricula.

“Agricultural curricula should no longer be confined to traditional farming practices alone. They must embrace technology, sustainability, and market intelligence. Mentorship allows young people to develop their knowledge, skills, and networks to take on leadership roles through the sharing of knowledge and experiences”.  ~ Laura Estelle Yeyinou Loko

The panel highlighted the fundamental role of the right education in preparing for the growing demands on the African and global food systems. “To meet the needs of the evolving agrifood sector, education must be modern, dynamic, and forward-looking. The education system should also be based on formal and informal training, thus connecting the students with the community”. Said Ch. Srinivasa Rao

As we look to the future, it’s essential to consider adopting a multidisciplinary approach when it comes to advancing the agenda for gender-responsive technology innovations. ~ Ch. Srinivasa Rao