1. Youth, Agriculture and Rural Development in Developing countries/ACP regions John Omiti Nancy Laibuni Simon Githuku jmomiti@kippra.or.ke 1

2. Definition of Youth  Age (15-35 years)  Differences across regions – Political Importance [‘leaders of tomorrow’] – Cultural aspects (Gender, Marriage) – Unemployment // Wealth Gaps – Emerging issues (ICT, Migration) 2

3. African Youth - Demographics  Large share of youth in population (youth bulge)  70 % is aged below 25 years (200 million)  37% of the total labor force  Youth unemployment rate (2009) - North Africa ≈ 24 % - Sub-Saharan Africa ≈ 50-60?  Unskilled youth = (25 - 50 %) 3

4. Caribbean Youth - Demographics 50%  Literacy levels: 1990 ≈ 92%; 2009 ≈ 97%  Unemployment ≈ 40 - 60% (except Barbados)  20 - 30% of the labour force 4

5. Pacific Youth - Demographics  20% of working population  Youth unemployment high:  Kiribati ≈ 39%  Samoa ≈ 58%  Solomon Islands ≈ 42 %  Tonga ≈ 43 % 5

6. Key Issues  Rural poverty  Migration of the youth:  Urban areas  Overseas (OECD)  High levels of unemployment/underemployment  Deferred plans [e.g., investments, marriage]  Ageing farm populations [future of agriculture]  Youth bulge (social unrest) 6

7. Youth are key agents  Social change  Access to higher and innovative education  Culture (music, arts, etc)  Economic development  Broad range of opportunities  Access to physical and financial resources  Technological innovation  dynamic conditions to incubate ideas and innovate  Political Change 7

8. Involving Youth in Agriculture  Africa  Average age of farmer ≈ 55 years  Average life expectancy ≈ 49-54 years  Caribbean  Average age of farmers ≈ 55 years  Average life expectancy ≈ 65-70 years 8

9. Why interest youth in Agriculture  Public Perceptions [‘grow own food’]  Self Reliance and Self Sufficiency  Building Human Resource Base  Political goodwill and Investments 9

10. Youth perceptions towards Agriculture Generally negative youth perceptions with respect to participation in agriculture Not perceived as a viable business initiative Employer of last resort (urban-rural youth) Not an attractive career path offers no opportunity for a better life Not appealing - no prestige (status) regardless of the economic outcomes.

11. Youth and ICT  ICT is attractive to the youth  ICT applications (software) – forecast e.g. weather patterns, precision farming, etc.  Managing agricultural information data- creating agricultural databases, payment systems, marketing, price trends, satellite- based insurance, etc.  ICT is dynamic and challenging 11

12. Youth and Agribusiness – value chain Factors that limit youth participation in agribusiness:  Limited market information  Inability to access credit  Inadequate training  Skills mis-match  Low profitability associated with agri- enterprises 12

13. Ways to engage youth in agriculture Demystifying the negative myths about agriculture Presenting agriculture as a profitable venture Availing special agriculture funding for youth Providing incentives to young people engaged in agriculture Preferential treatment for young farmers e.g. water levy, taxation laxity Availing fair market opportunities for youth Modernizing agriculture Providing training opportunities in new technologies

14. Ways to engage youth in agriculture Recognition and supporting young graduates as potential employees within the agribusiness sector Support youth in establishing and managing a youth network in agriculture Include youth in policy decision making and implementation Agriculture in Education system since primary level

15. Policy Suggestions  Employment  Employability  Addressing Technical Skills Mis-matches  Addressing Non-Technical Skills Mismatches (skills development)  Employment Creation: Address slow job/career growth  Equal Opportunities: Addressing youth-discrimination / deficiencies in the labour market and Inadequate Job Matching  Facilitating Entrepreneurship  Business Development Services (BDS) + Futures Markets 15

16.  Agri-Business Innovations  Package technology for young farmers  Green house farming  Grafting of fruits / vegetables  Use integrated and multifunctional business approach  Targets young farmers  Use Mobile phones for recordings, management, etc Policy Suggestions 16

17. ..Young Original Unique Talented Hopeful. our YOUTH Thank You! 17