On International Youth Day (IYD), August 12, the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) organized a dynamic webinar aimed at empowering young leaders in agriculture. The event underscored the crucial role youth play in transforming agricultural systems and ensuring food security for future generations.
When given the right tools, resources, and opportunities, youth have great potential to make a difference. From incorporating youth in research to agribusiness support and digital technology adoption, each speaker brought fresh ideas on how we can encourage youth to make a tangible impact on the agriculture sector.
During the webinar, Marcel Nibasumba, IFDC Country Director of Burundi, noted that many young people are hesitant to engage with agriculture because it’s often seen as outdated, labor-intensive, and lacking in opportunity. Traditional farming practices, low incomes, and limited access to technology and markets make the sector unattractive to youth who seek innovation and financial independence.
However, the agriculture sector has immense potential for growth, especially with the rise of modern technology and innovative solutions. By showcasing successful agricultural entrepreneurs and providing youth with technical assistance, market skills, and access to finance, we can transform their perceptions of the industry.
The IYD webinar provided this showcase, as a panel of young experts discussed challenges and opportunities for youth in agriculture, particularly in access to finance, technology adoption, and mentorship. Key strategies to engage youth included providing innovation bundles, fostering partnerships for training and capacity building, and enhancing access to markets and financial services.
“We must encourage youth to know about all the opportunities in the agriculture sector. It isn’t only about harvesting [crops], but encouraging science-driven opportunities, building communities, marketing, research, and more.”
Mahlatse Nkosi, Research Officer in Finance at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
The insights shared collectively underscored the importance of supporting and investing in our youth to drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture. Chinasa Collins-Ogbuo, Advocacy and Communications Lead at Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), further emphasized that collaborating with organizations such as IFDC to enhance the capabilities and access of these communities will help amplify the voices of youth and women in the sector.
By providing a platform for youth voices to be heard and offering tangible support, we can ensure that the next generation of agriculture leaders is well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
“The voices of young people bring fresh perspectives and energy crucial for sustainable growth and prosperity in agriculture,” noted Yusuf Dramani, IFDC Country Director of Nigeria.
Nansel Moses, Agribusiness Specialist for the Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity, also shared his insights stating , “Empowering the youth in agriculture is not just about securing the future of our food system; it’s about fostering innovation, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of global challenges.”
IFDC is committed to empowering youth by investing in their development across areas such as training, financial support, capacity building, and fertilizer and soil health research. By unlocking their potential to innovate and enhance agricultural productivity, youth can play a key role in building sustainable food systems and ensuring food security for future generations.
