Integrated approaches to empower young African women and men to take their place in a modernized agricultural sector are needed throughout the continent.
Last month, hundreds of migrants died near Malta in what the International Organization for Migration (IOM) called the worst shipwreck in years. This year alone, thousands have drowned or gone missing in the Mediterranean trying to cross from the African continent. Tens of thousands more have survived and are either waiting on the Italian island of Lampedusa or other migrant entry points to be let in or have already made it into the European continent. These numbers are on the rise; not only in Italy, but across the Mediterranean.
Integrated approaches to empower young African women and men to take their place in a modernized agricultural sector are needed throughout the continent.
Last month, hundreds of migrants died near Malta in what the International Organization for Migration (IOM) called the worst shipwreck in years. This year alone, thousands have drowned or gone missing in the Mediterranean trying to cross from the African continent. Tens of thousands more have survived and are either waiting on the Italian island of Lampedusa or other migrant entry points to be let in or have already made it into the European continent. These numbers are on the rise; not only in Italy, but across the Mediterranean.
There is a link of course with conflict and persistent political instability in the Middle East and parts of Northern Africa. But, there are at least as many who try to escape economic distress, risking their lives in search for a better future. Much of Africa’s youth sees migration as the only way out. For example, a recent representative survey indicated that between 64 and 82 per cent of Senegalese 18 to 25 year olds would emigrate if the opportunity arose, preferably to Europe.
Hope: youth and agriculture
Such perceptions and preferences persist despite strong economic growth. GDP growth on the African continent has outpaced the world’s average over the past decade and 7 out of the 10 fastest growing economies are in Africa. But, growth has not been socially inclusive. Two of the keys to change this outcome are youth and agriculture.
Effectuating this change will be challenging, however, as investment and policy priorities in much of Africa are currently not focused on agriculture and few young people therefore see a future for themselves in the sector.
Agricultural productivity growth has been the foundation of successful development experiences. These experiences have been more inclusive when they directly engage poor smallholder farmers and when, at least in the initial stages, productivity growth is accompanied by local rural employment growth, both on and off the farm. This notion is particularly important in the African context.
Over half of the African population is expected to remain rural until the middle of this century. Also, agriculture should be expected to remain the main source of employment.
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