In News:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released the “Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems” report, emphasizing that youth empowerment in agriculture could significantly reduce global unemployment and enhance food security, with the potential to boost global GDP by 1.4% (approx. $1.5 trillion).

Key Insights from the Report:

Declining Youth Engagement in Agriculture:

• The share of youth employed in agrifood systems has dropped from 54% in 2005 to 44%, even though many low-income countries remain heavily dependent on youth labour in agriculture.

Youth NEET Crisis:

• Over 20% of global youth (ages 15–24) are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET).
• Young women are twice as likely to fall into this category compared to men.
• Addressing NEET status, particularly among those aged 20–24, could raise global output, with 45% of potential gains stemming from agrifood-related employment.

Urban-Rural Divide:

• 54% of youth now reside in urban areas, while only 5% of rural youth participate in industrial agrifood systems — posing challenges for future agricultural labour availability.

Climate Vulnerability:

• Around 395 million rural youth live in regions projected to experience reduced agricultural productivity due to climate change and extreme weather events.

Rising Food Insecurity Among Youth:

• Youth facing moderate to severe food insecurity has grown from 16.7% (2014) to 24.4% (2023), with severe impacts in Africa and conflict-affected areas.

FAO’s Strategic Recommendations:

Inquire More:

• Close data gaps related to youth roles in agrifood systems.
• Promote evidence-based, youth-responsive policies.

Include More:

• Ensure youth participation in decision-making at local, national, and international levels.
• Foster inclusive governance for both rural and urban youth.

Invest More:

• Job Creation: Facilitate decent employment opportunities on farms and in agrifood value chains.
• System Modernization: Invest in rural infrastructure, digital tools, and agricultural innovation.
• Resource Access: Improve youth access to land, credit, markets, training, and technology.
• Safe Migration: Develop regulated migration pathways for youth involved in agriculture and related sectors.