Chapter 8 – Capturing the Synergies Between Youth livelihoods and Resilient Agri-Food Systems
Key Messages
1
Building sustained and resilient agri-food systems (AFSs) in Africa is an intergenera- tional mandate and demands the active engagement of African youth who constitute a significant share of Africa’s current and projected future population. 2
Youth livelihoods in Africa are intricately intertwined with the performance of AFSs. Hence, public investments that support broad-based agricultural productivity growth and resilience remain a crucial component of an effective youth livelihood strategy. 3
To foster youth engagement, the structure of the AFS needs to promote and broaden opportunities that are profitable, less physically arduous, offer quick returns and have low asset requirements. 4
International development partners are encouraged to integrate inclusive, demand-driven, and adaptive agricultural research prioritization and technology development in their programs. 5
Harnessing youth potential for a resilient AFS requires youth-focused initiatives to actively integrate positive youth development approaches, elevate youth voices in program and policy decisions, and carefully segment and tailor interventions to the needs of the heterogeneous youth population.