Diplomat Correspondent
A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) highlights the crucial role young people play in shaping the future of agri-food systems. According to Lauren Phillips, Deputy Director at the Food and Agriculture In an interview with UN News’ Naima Sawaya, “youth can move food forward” by bringing innovative ideas and energy to the sector.
The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems
The report emphasises that young people depend heavily on agri-food systems for their livelihoods, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where 70% of working youth are employed in the sector. However, they often face challenges in accessing resources, including land, finance, and social capital.
Phillips stresses the importance of collective action and youth participation in policymaking. “When young people are working together, maybe they get more access to policymakers or to local politicians or decision makers who could take into account their needs and interests to a greater extent,” she said.
The report also notes that tokenistic involvement in policymaking is not enough. Young people need to be meaningfully included in decision-making processes to ensure their voices are heard and their participation matters.
Phillips highlights the potential of young people to drive change in agri-food systems, citing their resilience and capacity to overcome problems. “Young people perceive themselves as being quite resilient to shocks, and as we are in a period of increasing shocks like climate, having young people with their resilience and their capacity to overcome these kinds of problems is really important,” she said.
The report calls for increased investment in policies that support young people in agri-food systems, including initiatives that promote decent work and social protection.
Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future
The FAO report emphasizes the need for solidarity between generations and policies that address gaps between generations. Phillips notes that young people are already using innovative ways to connect with each other and build collective voices, including social media and online platforms.
As the world moves forward, it is clear that youth will play a critical role in shaping the future of agri-food systems. By empowering young people and supporting their participation in policymaking, we can build more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems for all.