Ethiopia is grappling with a significant challenge in its agricultural sector, as many young people view farming as unprofitable or unappealing. According to Fitsum Assefa, the Minister of Planning and Development (MoPD), this perception is a major barrier preventing youth from engaging in agriculture, which is crucial for the country’s economic growth.
During the First Thousand African Youth Summit on Food Systems and Agroecology 2024, organized by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) in collaboration with the Ethiopian government, Fitsum highlighted that many university graduates prefer to pursue careers in large corporations rather than return to agriculture or small-scale farming. This trend is contributing to a bottleneck in the agricultural sector, which is vital for Ethiopia’s food security and economic stability.
“One of the biggest obstacles to youth participation in agriculture is the belief that it takes too long to turn a profit and that market prices are controlled by brokers who set unfair prices,” Fitsum stated. He noted that young people often struggle with accessing markets and land, issues that have persisted over time.
The summit, themed “Youth Driving Africa: Food System Transformation Through Agroecology,” aimed to amplify youth voices in decision-making processes. Fitsum announced that the engagement of young leaders resulted in securing $50,000 in support for local projects, showcasing the potential for real change when youth take the lead.
Joyce Brown, AFSA Youth Platform Coordinator, emphasized the importance of involving African youth in agroecology as a sustainable approach to creating jobs and enhancing food sovereignty. “Our vision is for African youth to fully engage in agroecology as a means to address unemployment and climate change,” she said.
The summit attracted 250 participants from 45 countries, along with over 2,000 virtual attendees. It served as a platform for young leaders to discuss tangible solutions to pressing issues related to food security and climate change across Africa.
As Ethiopia continues to navigate these challenges, fostering a supportive environment for youth involvement in agriculture will be essential for achieving sustainable development and ensuring food security in the years to come.
