Agriculture remains the backbone of rural economies in sub-Saharan Africa. However, for millions of young people, it is a sector marked by uncertainty and limited prospects. Despite being the continent with the fastest growing and youngest population, youth in agriculture faces insecure employment, lack of access to resources, and systemic barriers.
Young people can adapt to modern technologies, an essential step toward transforming agrifood systems. Moreover, indigenous young people combine traditional agricultural knowledge with modern techniques which is essential to build community resilience.
Despite a gradual decline in agricultural employment overall, the sector remains the primary source of jobs for youth in rural Sub-Saharan Africa. In some regions, up to 70% of young people aged 15 to 35 are engaged in the agrifood sector. Yet, the quality and security of these jobs remain a major concern.
Insecure Employment in Sub-Saharan Africa
Agriculture offers fewer decent and productive jobs compared to other sectors. Limited access to opportunities such as employment, education or training, insufficient technological infrastructure, the escalating impacts of climate change, economic instability as well as political unrest threaten the agricultural source of income.
As a result, many young people remain trapped in low quality and informal jobs earning less than the median wage. Regular wage-paying employment protected by labour standards is the exception rather than the norm for young workers in Africa. This creates an intense competition among youth for these more secure jobs. Many also migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities.
This precarious situation has a direct impact on the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Studies have shown that anxiety levels among youth regarding their future are steadily increasing. Moreover, young women are also disproportionately affected. Three out of five young people not in employment, education, or training are women. This is often due to limited opportunities and structural barriers.
The way forward
To transform agriculture into a promising and sustainable career option for young people, several key actions are needed. First, the International Labour Organization (ILO) recognizes the need to enhance job quality by ensuring fair wages, decent working conditions, and access to social protection.
Equally important is the investment in training and mentorship programmes that support smoother transitions into the professional world. These initiatives can be strengthened through knowledge-sharing platforms and cooperative models that foster collaboration and entrepreneurship. Access to technology and innovation is also essential for the future of the sector.
Young people must also be actively included in policymaking and institutional processes. Promoting dialogue and participation is crucial to understanding their challenges and empowering them to become agents of change.
Empowering Youth
At Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse, we promote gender equality and social inclusion by enhancing access to and control over resources and ensuring participation in decision-making processes for women and youth. We also empower young people by encouraging them to participate in agricultural development initiatives and by creating jobs in rural and peri-urban areas.
For example, our PROWIGA project in South Sudan aims to psychosocially support children and young people and strengthen local conflict resolution mechanisms. Volunteers received training in children’s rights and psychosocial support. Young people had access to psychosocial support like theatre, painting and music groups, sports or back-to-school campaigns. Additionally, peace forums were held in cattle camps, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among community members.
Jaina Duperrex
Communications and Fundraising intern
References
Heifer International. 2021. The future of Africa’s Agriculture – an assessment of the role of youth and technology. Africa-Agriculture-Tech-2021.pdf.
International Labour Office. 2024. August 2024 Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024 Sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa GET Youth 2024_0.pdf.
International Labour Office. 2025. How rural youth are redefining agriculture in Africa. https://voices.ilo.org/podcast/how-rural-youth-are-redefining-agriculture-in-africa.
World Food Forum. 2024. Empowering Tomorrow’s Leader: The Role of Youth in Agrifood Systems Transformation. Empowering Tomorrow’s Leader: The Role of Youth in Agrifood Systems Transformation.