Youth and the Future of African Agriculture
Africa has the world’s youngest population, with over 60% being under age 25 in most nations. This massive youth population presents both a challenge and opportunity when it comes to the future of agriculture across the continent. With the average age of farmers globally over 60 years old, engaging youth is critical for ensuring agricultural productivity and food security in the coming decades. There are compelling reasons why young entrepreneurs and business people should view agribusiness as an appealing career path. Additionally, targeted efforts by governments, academic institutions and private companies are key to empowering the next generation of farmers and livestock producers.
Importance of Agriculture for Africa’s Youth
Agriculture has historically accounted for 32% of Africa’s GDP and over 60% of jobs on the continent. With 12 million youth entering the job market each year in Africa, a vibrant agricultural sector will be critical for productive livelihoods. Agriculture and agribusiness also present a $1 trillion dollar opportunity by 2030 if trade and investment grow. By grasping opportunities from seed production, innovative farming techniques, ICT, food processing and more, youth can drive economic growth.
Crops: Africa has 65% of the world’s unused arable land, indicating substantial room for expansion. Products like cassava, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, nuts and fruits have buoyant export markets that youth can tap into. Precision agriculture utilizing drones, sensors and big data also enable higher productivity and efficiencies on plots of all sizes. University graduates can leverage their background to build agtech companies or offer services to farmers.
Livestock: Africa contains 19% of the world’s livestock population in terms of animals. Products like meat, dairy, eggs, leather and other animal by-products are seeing rising demand from growing urban centers and abroad. Young entrepreneurs can apply technologies to areas like livestock tracking, breeding data, animal health and smart housing to improve livestock operations. Women can also look at opportunities like poultry farming which have lower barriers to entry.
Policies to Engage Youth
- Training and mentorship initiatives: Programs like the Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) aim to develop skills and provide resources to enable youth in agriculture. Similar local mentorship efforts connect graduates with veteran farmers.
- Improved rural infrastructure and connectivity: Better rural roads, electricity, broadband internet access and services enable a better quality of life on farms. This keeps more young people in rural areas. Better connectivity also improves access to information and markets.
- Increased access to financing: Special loan funds for youth agripreneurs help provide working capital for those with limited resources to start farms or associated businesses. Crowdfunding platforms also enable pooled investments.
- Prioritizing agribusiness education: Curriculums emphasizing entrepreneurship and technical skills tailored to agricultural value chains ensure graduates are employment ready. Workforce readiness programs are also crucial.
- Security around land tenure: Providing legal protections around farmland ownership and transfer policies gives confidence for long-term investments.
Realizing the Dream
Africa has all the natural resources, manpower and growth opportunities for agricultural prosperity. Taking advantage of this potential requires drive and visionary thinking from its youth. The path may not be easy, with challenges like gaps in knowledge, access to financing and bureaucracy persisting.
However, the promise of applying technology and sustainable techniques to raise farm productivity is real. Building an agribusiness can be highly rewarding financially and in terms of positive community impact. The future food needs of Africa’s fast growing populations also depends on what youth achieve in the sector.
As a business coach, I can provide mentorship to assess your land assets, develop a crop or livestock business plan tailored to your resources, assist with market links for inputs and produce, and craft proposals for financing. Get in touch today to start building the future of African agriculture!