In this Article
CAB International (CABI) has identified seven strategies to ensure youth-inclusive agricultural training and engagement, allowing governments, development partners, and the private sector to harness youth’s potential for agricultural transformation.
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By 2030, youth are predicted to account for 57% of the global population, making agriculture both a challenge and an opportunity to generate jobs and capitalize on the growing potential of young people. Young people often undervalue agriculture, despite its crucial role in ensuring food security and promoting economic development.
CABI emphasizes the importance of inclusive approaches, aligning with the theme of the 2025 International Youth Day, which is “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships.” This emphasizes the pivotal role young people play in global development. Their active participation in agriculture, enabled through inclusive training, technology, and strategic partnerships, is essential for sustainable food systems and economic growth.
CABI presents seven strategies based on its Youth Engagement Strategy and grassroots experience to make agricultural training and engagement more inclusive of young people. These include:
- shifting the perception of agriculture – young people often perceive agriculture as outdated, labour-intensive, and financially unrewarding. Changing this perception is crucial to attracting youth into the sector.
- integrating technology and digital skills – today’s youth are digital natives. Integrating digital tools and platforms into agricultural training not only engages them more effectively but also equips them for the future of farming.
- emphasizing entrepreneurship and business development – training in agriculture must go beyond basic agronomy, it should cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets.
- providing practical experience and mentorship – practical, hands-on training and mentorship are essential for developing the confidence and competence of young agripreneurs.
- facilitating access to resources and networks – training alone is not enough. Young people need access to land, finance, inputs, and markets to translate skills into sustainable livelihoods.
- incorporating a gender-responsive approach – it must address the unique challenges faced by young women in agriculture for agricultural training to be truly inclusive, and
- advocating for youth-friendly policies and enabling environments – sustainable youth engagement in agriculture requires policies that reduce barriers and open new opportunities.
Youth are not just the future. They are vital contributors in the present. Their active engagement in agriculture through relevant, practical, and empowering training is essential to advancing sustainable development, ensuring food security, and strengthening economic resilience.
Reference:
Magero, D. (7, August 2025). Empowering the next generation: Strategies for youth-inclusive agricultural training and engagement. CAB International. Retrieved October 1, 2025 from
https://blog.cabi.org/2025/08/07/empowering-the-next-generation-strategies-for-youth-inclusive-agricultural-training-and-engagement/
