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Youth play a vital role in transforming agriculture and food systems, yet they are often excluded from policymaking processes. This lack of representation exacerbates challenges such as limited access to land, resources, markets, and technology, as well as poor working conditions, income instability, and the impacts of climate change and conflict. Without a seat at the table, young people cannot advocate for policies that address these barriers. To reverse this trend, it is essential to invest in youth and ensure their informed and active involvement in decision-making at all levels.

On October 31, 2024, the FAO convened a side event titled "Strengthening Youth Inclusion in Agrifood Systems Policies in Africa" during the 20th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP-PP) meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe. The event provided a platform for youth and policymakers to discuss ways to enhance youth involvement in decision-making and policy processes to foster sustainable agricultural transformation in Africa.

The discussions tied into the seven Malabo commitments aimed at transforming agriculture, promoting shared prosperity, and improving livelihoods across the continent. Specifically, the 4^th Commitment to “Reduce poverty by half by 2025 through inclusive agricultural growth and transformation”, under which African governments pledged to create job opportunities for at least 30% of the youth in agricultural value chains.

As part of the event, FAO, in collaboration with the Youth Working Group of the International Planning Committee for Food Sovereignty (IPC), mobilized a diverse delegation of youth from across African subregions. The delegation included youth representatives from farming, fishing, pastoralist, and civil society organizations, as well as youth-led continental networks.

The event was opened by Victor Muiru and Janetta Carlucci from FAO, who introduced the CFS Policy Recommendations on Promoting Youth Engagement and Employment in Agriculture and Food Systems for Food Security and Nutritionas a global policy instrument to guide youth mainstreaming in national contexts. An analysis of current agricultural and related sector policies in Africa kicked off the discussion on critical gaps and good practices and the role of youth in policy advocacy.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Janet Edeme, Head of the Rural Economy and Agriculture Department at the African Union Commission (AUC), and Hon. Jeremy Lissouba, Secretary General of the African Food Systems Parliamentary Network. Both speakers highlighted the importance of global and regional policy instruments—such as the CFS Policy Recommendations, the CAADP 4th Commitment and the AUC Africa Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS)—in shaping national policies that support youth involvement in agriculture. While acknowledging the existence of good policy documents, both speakers emphasized the need for more active youth participation to hold national governments accountable and make sure youth voices are heard.

During a panel discussion, Sebitla Olorato Thobekha, representative from the Republic of Botswana of the Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC) and a member of the CAADP Youth Network, presented African countries’ progress on the CAADP 4th Commitment. She noted that Ghana is the only country on track to meet the commitment, highlighting the importance of tracking progress and learning from success stories.

Youth representatives from civil society organizations—Gilbert Atangana, President of the Youth College of the Regional Platform of Central African Farmers' and Producers' Organizations (PROPAC) from Cameroon, and Joan Kayisinga, a member of the World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers (WFF) and Katosi Women Development Trust (KWDT) from Uganda—shared their country-level experiences. They discussed how their organizations have been actively advocating for the inclusion of youth perspectives in policymaking, particularly in areas such as agripreneurship, access to finance, land, markets, and technology, as well as promoting agroecology.

The event also included a half-day working session, where youth delegates engaged in deeper discussions around the CFS Policy Recommendations. The working session explored how to raise awareness about these recommendations and promote their adoption at the country level. Looking ahead, a series of virtual exchanges will be organized in 2025 to continue the dialogue between youth and policymakers, with a focus on identifying good practices and implementation mechanisms for youth-inclusive agrifood system policies in each African subregion. By strengthening youth participation in policy debates, the event reinforced the need for inclusive policies that protect youth rights and foster equitable access to decent work, resources and skills for dignified livelihoods and a sustainable future for agriculture.

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This initiative is part of a project financed by the German cooperation aimed at raising awareness and promoting the uptake of  the CFS Policy Recommendations on Promoting Youth Engagement and Employment in Agriculture and Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition. The project is being implemented by FAO’s Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) in close collaboration with the CFS Secretariat, the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) and the Regional Office for Africa (RAF).

Photo credit: FAO/Jean Baptiste Nkurunziza