Kigali Declaration calls for more youth involvement in agriculture and climate action

African youth want their voices heard in the issues surrounding climate change and affecting farming across the continent.

At the Africa Food Systems Forum held in Kigali in September, young people pledged to take responsibility for Africa's food systems through a declaration that will be presented at the UN Climate Change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, dubbed COP29.

The Kigali youth Declaration called on stakeholders to amplify the voice of young people in addressing the pressing issues of climate change and youth employment in Africa.

This is in addition to exploring strategies to accelerate youth access to work opportunities in the agricultural and food system sector.

Agnes Kalibata, president of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa,  said when the food system works, the world works.

“This year we had over 1,000 youths who presented new ideas every day. 40 per cent of the young people being women, there was also a good representation of indigenous and differently-abled individuals,” Kalibata said. 

“These young people have today submitted a declaration on climate that they want presented to COP29. These young people are committed to make the food systems work,”  she added.

The declaration states that African youth face challenges in accessing resources such as land, capital and agricultural inputs.

Further, navigating regulations, policy constraints and adapting to the impacts of climate change pose difficulties. 

“These challenges, coupled with gender inequality and inadequate education and training, hinder their participation in the agricultural sector,” the declaration reads. 

“Despite these obstacles, African youth possess an innovative spirit and entrepreneurial mindset, which can drive positive change in the food systems sector.” 

One in three African youths are unemployed and another one in three are vulnerably employed.

“The growing demand for sustainable food, technological advancements and potential government support offer opportunities for youth to contribute to agricultural development.”

Data from Agra reveals that by 2030, African youth will constitute 42 per cent of the global youth population, with over 100 million seeking employment opportunities.

“Agriculture employs 50 percent of Africa's workforce, offering significant potential for youth employment. More than 25 per cent of youths entering the job market lack basic literacy,  hindering their ability to take advantage of opportunities.”

Additionally, while 10 million young people are entering the labour market, only three million new jobs are created annually in Africa.

Kalibata said the Kigali Declaration therefore provides a roadmap for achieving this goal by addressing the challenges faced by youth and leveraging their potential to transform food systems and build a more resilient future for Africa.