Over 60% of African farmers are between 40 and 60 years old. How can we guarantee the future and/or sustainability of the agricultural sector and a green world if young people are not involved? Today, it is more than urgent for young people to change their perception and apprehension of agriculture. This pragmatic approach and change in mentality implies that there must be a serious commitment on the part of governments and organizations to empowering young people in agriculture, so as to make them true agents of change in our society, thus facilitating the reduction of the food shortage that the world, and particularly Africa, is experiencing.
More than 400,000,000 young Africans are unemployed, while the continent’s agropastoral potential alone has the capacity to generate more than a million jobs in the various value chains, and especially with digital technology and mechanization. In order to contribute to a change in this paradox, the African Agricultural Leadership Institute (AALI) has set itself the mission of empowering young people, ensuring widespread commitment, leadership and partnership at all levels, in favor of a green, sustainable and economically equitable world.
AALI celebrates International Youth Day 2023 with all the world’s young champions, many of whom, despite constraints and unfavourable conditions, continue to believe in and fight for a sustainable world and their empowerment.
To mark this year’s celebration, AALI’s Youth Empowerment directorate is emphasizing the need to strengthen the skills of youth in agricultural value chains. Various advocacy event have been organized to exchange ideas and raise awareness among young people, policy makers, and community leaders, about the necessary skills for agribusiness prosperity. In Oyo state Nigeria, a symposium on Youth Leadership in take place on 16 August, while in Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a citywide advocacy will be conducted among members of the public and private sector on August 25, 2023.
Yes, through agriculture, we can eliminate the economic marginalization of young Africans, contribute to food security and a sustainable green world.