It has long been clear that agriculture needs more young people, not only to secure Africa’s future food security but to modernize farming and keep pace with a changing world.
But what is it about agriculture that young people need? The answer may lie in the fresh opportunities created by digitalisation.
New technologies are transforming farming systems across the world, including in developing countries. Innovations range from drones that help detect crop pests earlier to mobile systems that link previously “unbankable” smallholder farmers with vital financial services.
For the 12 million young people entering into the workforce in Africa each year, this could all help make farming and food production much more appealing.
For starters, new and emerging technology means that agriculture does not have to involve the backbreaking labour endured by previous generations. Digital tools are helping to automate and streamline the more labour-intensive aspects of farming, making it more efficient and therefore, attractive – and viable – as a livelihood.
With the support of digital tools, “precision agriculture” can become efficient, allowing farmers to plant and cultivate their crops with greater accuracy. This means less time, effort and inputs are wasted, and as a result, the economic appeal of agriculture is clearer.
Second, and with Africa facing a serious shortage of jobs for the increasingly young population, agriculture can provide opportunities lacking in rapidly urbanised areas.
More than 70 per cent of registered digital users in Africa, for instance, are between 15 to 35 years old. By coupling this digital savviness with rural opportunities, young people can have an exciting and prosperous future.
Finally, these young people will no doubt be attracted to the new entrepreneurial possibilities and employment opportunities that digitalisation brings, not just in food production but across the entire agricultural value chain.
These opportunities range from designing new platforms or software to making use of technology and creating access to new markets using blockchain.
