The Future of Youth Jobs in Agrifood Systems in Africa

Africa hosts the youngest population of any region, which affords the continent an adequate workforce that can drive economic and social transformation. However, African economies are challenged to create employment opportunities for  this “youth bulge,”  finding it difficult to advance on SDG target 8.6 to substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET) with more than 20% of young men and women falling into this category in 2020. African youth wield growing political and social power as they vent their frustrations with the lack of opportunity. Although youth-led protests and their underlying causes are not new in Africa, the recent movements represent an important moment for the youth in Africa.

The Agrifood system in Africa remains a backbone of national economies and provides more than 50% of jobs in most African countries. Thus, it still holds substantial potential to absorb or catalyze youth engagement in productive activities in Africa. But this change will not happen by itself. It will require sustained efforts in research and policy development. While much of the earlier literature and debate on the employment crisis have focused on the role of agriculture in absorbing Africa's “youth bulge”, the scope of debate and research should be expanded to include the role of youth across the entire food system.