Opportunities for Youth in Rural Business and Entrepreneurship in Agriculture

The growing number of youth, who are estimated to account for 60 per cent of the population, brings both challenges and opportunities to the continent In sub-Saharan Africa. Agriculture provides opportunities for youth to engage in entrepreneurship and innovation. Youth could in turn contribute to efforts towards making agriculture ‘smart’ through digitization and innovative solutions. Emerging governance models and innovations support the digitization of agriculture, also known as Agriculture 4.0, and a green economy. There are opportunities for young farmers to tap into digitalization of African economies and benefit from linkages with environmental protection work. Modern ‘smart’ technologies and digitization in the farming business has motivated a new generation of farmers, managers and entrepreneurs. UN Women undertook the study to help prepare the youth for an inclusive, environment sensitive, and resilient approach to productive livelihoods. The study provides information and evidence on gender-responsive programme development that integrates youth in agriculture solutions in the broader programmes on climate smart agriculture.