Empowering Africa’s Next Generation: Why EAC’s Agri-Food Policies Must Embrace Youth for a Sustainable Future

The East African Community (EAC) is placing youth at the forefront of its agri-food systems policy, recognizing their pivotal role in driving sustainable agricultural transformation and ensuring food security in the region. 

🌱 Youth: The Catalyst for Agricultural Transformation With over 60% of the EAC population comprising young people, their active participation in agriculture is essential. The EAC, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has initiated projects aimed at promoting youth employment in agriculture. These initiatives focus on reducing rural poverty and boosting economic growth by creating better opportunities for youth in the agricultural sector. 

🛠️ Strategic Initiatives for Youth Empowerment To harness the potential of youth in agriculture, the EAC has implemented several strategic initiatives: 

• Capacity Building: Training programs, such as the one-month incubation training at the Songhai Regional Center in Benin, have been conducted to equip youth with skills in agribusiness and sustainable agro-ecological practices.
• Recognition and Support: Outstanding youth champions in agriculture have been identified and awarded grants to support their agribusiness ventures, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Policy Development: The EAC has developed a regional strategy for promoting decent rural employment in agriculture, ensuring that youth are integral to policy formulation and implementation.

🔗 Integrating Youth into Agri-Food Systems The EAC emphasizes the importance of integrating youth into all facets of agri-food systems by: 

• Providing Access: Ensuring youth have access to finance, land, skills training, mentorship, and market linkages to facilitate their entry and success in agribusiness.
• Enhancing Data Management: Building a regional database to track youth engagement in agriculture, identify gaps, and better target support.
• Promoting Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaborations that support sustainable financing and management of agro-industrial parks and value chains with youth-specific provisions.

📣 A Call to Action The EAC's commitment to youth empowerment in agriculture is evident through its comprehensive policies and programs. By investing in the next generation, the EAC aims to foster a resilient, innovative, and sustainable agri-food system that can meet the challenges of the future.

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