Youth lead charge for sustainable agriculture

Africa's youth are taking a prominent role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices amid growing climate change challenges. The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (Agra) convened a crucial session in Nairobi, bringing together 100 young leaders in agri-food systems to discuss innovative strategies for reducing climate vulnerability.

The session, part of a broader national dialogue on climate change, provided a platform for young people to share their ideas and engage with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. This was the fourth in a series of sessions initiated by AGRA, aimed at fostering dialogue between youth and agricultural leaders, and empowering the younger generation with a better understanding of the sector's needs and priorities.

Key discussions centered on identifying opportunities within the agricultural sector that can help Africa adapt to the realities of climate change and transform its food systems. Kindie Fantaye, AGRA’s Head of Climate Adaptation, Sustainable Agriculture, and Resilience, highlighted the critical role of youth in this transformation. “Together, we can build a sustainable future where our youth are not only survivors of climate change but leaders in creating a resilient and prosperous Kenya,” he said.

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Elizabeth Ngeny, Advisor for Gender and Affirmative Action at the President's Economic Transformation Office, acknowledged the significant contributions of civic organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions in advancing climate change initiatives. She also recognized the crucial role of partners such as the Kenya Meteorological Department and the University of Nairobi’s Institute for Climate Change Research, along with the support from organizations like the Mastercard Foundation and AGRA.

Dr. Jeremiah Rogito, Specialist in Food Systems and Land Use at AGRA, announced that insights from these sessions will be presented at the upcoming Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, from September 2-6, 2024. He emphasized the importance of including youth voices in global policy discussions, particularly at the upcoming COP29, to advocate for policies that support young people in agriculture.

Africa's food systems are under severe threat as a 2022 climate report revealed that the continent is warming faster than the global average. The resulting environmental changes, including increased droughts, heatwaves, rising sea levels, and wildfires, are exacerbating the fragility of Africa’s agricultural systems. Young people, who are disproportionately affected by these climate shocks, face disrupted livelihoods, education, and future prospects.
Given these challenges, it is essential to support Africa’s youth in developing a comprehensive understanding of current agricultural systems and in co-creating innovations necessary for climate adaptation. This support will also provide dignified job opportunities for young people along the agricultural value chain, such as in renewable energy solutions and climate-smart farming technologies.

Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Africa’s youth are at the forefront of dealing with the impacts of climate change. The Youth in Climate convening, part of AGRA’s broader efforts, seeks to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action among young people across African countries. AGRA’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, through the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Agriculture (YEFFA) program, is a five-year initiative aiming to significantly increase the participation of African youth, particularly young women, in transforming the continent’s food systems.

As AGRA continues these national-level conversations, capturing the views, challenges, and innovative approaches of the youth, it is paving the way for a collective voice to be presented at major international forums like the Africa Food Systems Forum and COP29. By engaging youth in Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, AGRA is ensuring that climate policies and practices are tailored to the unique needs of each country, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for Africa.