Overview:
The program, launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, seeks to empower young people to take up agriculture as a viable business opportunity, addressing the challenges of limited access to finance, land ownership, markets, and technology.
AGRA Africa has launched an ambitious program to create 1.5 million jobs in agriculture for young people across the continent, leveraging technological innovations to drive entrepreneurship and productivity.
The initiative, launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, aims to empower youth to take up agriculture as a viable business opportunity, addressing the challenges of limited access to finance, land ownership, markets, and technology.
According to Dr. Jeremiah Rogito, a leading expert on climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture at AGRA Africa, “By providing young people with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed, we can unlock a new era of innovation and productivity in agriculture.”
Dr. Rogito emphasized that “The future of food and agriculture in Africa depends on our ability to empower young people to take up agriculture as a viable business opportunity. We must work together to create an enabling environment that supports youth entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture.”
Dr. Rogito noted that “In our five-year transformative journey with the Mastercard Foundation, we aim to create 1.5 million dignified jobs in Africa. This can be achieved by engaging young people in various agricultural value chain activities. We look forward to reaching out to over 10 million youth in Africa.”
Dr. Sharon Mbabazi Tusiime, Programs Officer for AGRA Africa, highlighted the importance of engaging youth in modern technological means to improve farming practices. “As young Ugandans, consider transitioning from inherited land ownership to private ownership, which offers more freedom in your farming activities. Compile your agricultural activities in the digital space to create a reference point for future generations.”
Samuel Musinguzi, a youth from Kikuube district in Bunyoro region and a participant in the initiative, commended AGRA Africa for empowering young people to participate in Climate Smart Agriculture. “I currently practice poultry farming, which generates modest earnings and has saved me from engaging in harmful practices like environmental degradation. Our private forest owner association focuses on environmental conservation through tree planting and carbon trade.”
The program will engage young people in various agricultural value chain activities, including production, processing, and distribution, with a focus on climate-resilient agriculture. It has already gained momentum in Ghana and Rwanda and is currently underway in Uganda, with plans to extend to Kenya and Ethiopia.
By creating 1.5 million dignified jobs in Africa, AGRA Africa seeks to unlock a new era of innovation and productivity in agriculture.