Africa's agrifood systems are at a defining moment. Climate change, population growth, urbanisation, changing food systems and rapid technological advancement are reshaping how food is produced, processed and consumed. At the same time, Africa's youthful population represents one of the continent's greatest opportunities to drive innovation, resilience and sustainable development. Recognising this opportunity, the Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) have launched the African Youth Position Statement on the Future of Africa's Agrifood Systems- a collective vision developed by young Africans to inform policy, strengthen partnerships and accelerate inclusive agrifood systems transformation.
The Position Statement is the outcome of the Youth Conversations on the Future of Africa's Agrifood Systems, a continental consultation process that brought together young researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs, students and development practitioners from across Africa. It was validated during the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) in Abuja, Nigeria, before its submission to the 10th FARA General Assembly.
The Position Statement presents a clear vision of an Africa where young women and men are recognised, empowered and supported as equal partners in building resilient, inclusive, innovative and sustainable agrifood systems.
At its core is a simple but powerful message: Young people are not merely the future of Africa's agrifood systems- they are already shaping them today. Across the continent, young people are contributing as farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, educators and community leaders. The Position Statement recognises these contributions while calling for greater investment in the leadership, ideas and solutions that young Africans are already bringing to agrifood systems transformation.
It also provides tailored recommendations for governments, research and academic institutions, development partners, the private sector and youth organisations, while reaffirming the commitment of young Africans to lead agrifood systems transformation with integrity, collaboration and innovation.
More than a summary of consultations, the African Youth Position Statement is a practical resource for policymakers, researchers, development organisations, youth networks and private-sector actors seeking to strengthen meaningful youth engagement across Africa's agrifood systems. As African countries implement the Kampala Declaration and pursue broader continental food systems commitments, the Position Statement offers a timely youth perspective on the partnerships, investments and policy actions needed to build more resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems.
We invite governments, research institutions, universities, development partners, civil society organisations, private-sector actors and young people across Africa to read the African Youth Position Statement on the Future of Africa's Agrifood Systems, share it within their networks and use its recommendations to strengthen youth engagement in agrifood research, innovation and policymaking. Because transforming Africa's agrifood systems is not about preparing young people for the future- it is about recognising and supporting the leadership they are already demonstrating today.
Follow this link to read or download the African Youth Position Statement on the Future of Africa's Agrifood Systems.
.jpg)
.png)