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Working in agrifood systems equips the youth with vital experience, skills, and capital, facilitating opportunities in other sectors. Enhancing the productivity and profitability of these systems is crucial for improving youth livelihoods and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Image Source: FAO
Agrifood systems consist of various interconnected activities related to agricultural production, processing, distribution, and consumption, producing over 11 billion tons of food annually. Youth participation varies across these sectors. Capital-intensive sectors, such as transportation and food processing, require substantial investment, making entry difficult for young people with limited financial resources. In contrast, lower-cost segments such as small-scale trading and retailing have fewer barriers, providing more accessible opportunities for youth to engage in agrifood systems.
Conceptual framework for agrifood systems
Agrifood systems present a significant opportunity to address employment and food security challenges faced by rural youth. With global population growth, urbanization, and increasing incomes, the demand for diverse and high-value-added agricultural products is set to rise. Projections suggest that by 2050, global food demand could increase by 35% to 56% from 2010 levels, particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), where populations are growing rapidly. In low-income countries with large youth populations, most young people depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihoods. Many rural youth engage in small-scale farming, which remains vital for employment and food security, especially in less dynamic rural areas where agriculture shapes their future aspirations. Agrifood systems are the largest source of employment for rural youth, a trend that is expected to continue. In contrast, in middle-and high-income countries, the food service sector offers significant employment opportunities for young people.
To unlock the potential of agrifood systems for youth employment and broader poverty reduction and food security, it is essential to address the economic, social, environmental, and institutional challenges that hinder their efficiency and sustainability.
Reference:
FAO. 2025. The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems. Rome. Retrieved October 15, 2025 from https://doi.org/10.4060/cd5886en.
