Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Re: Sustaining the Impact of Capacity Development Initiatives for African Youth in Agriculture

FSN- FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION IN AFRICA.

1. This year’s THEME of FAO FOOD DAY CELEBRATION is “Invest in Food Security and Rural Development”, could be the real and most touch first point or issue one can address on the Youth Specific Capacity Development , should be the main issue if the “ Food Security, Nutrition, and Rural Development”, have to be initiated. The youth are the most workforce of the agriculture, now or in future. If the traditional practice is maintained, the food security and nutrition will NOT be met.

2. The Post-capacity Development Initiatives that can be maintained, for sustainability of the their capacity, is assured market of their produce, and other farm inputs , because any moment, there are some challenges, their statuses, and earnings re-evaluation could disrupt their businesses.

  • What works – State Facilitation of Youths and Women / Guarantee-ships percentage to enable their take-offs.
  • What does not work or reduced performance – their performance and regulation of businesses may not be so perfect, but may be tolerated, and perfection may be attained.
  • Successes can be seen, and model practices learned from.  

3. What can the Youth Do to support each other – Study Visits can be mounted, as LEARNING TRIPS, of MANAGEMENT, PRACTICES, SUCCESS AND FAILURES. They can learn from each other.

4. What enabling environment needed for sustainability –:

(i). Assured or protected market – Without markets this is a key weakening issue.

(ii). Access of Farm Inputs – Seeds, Fertilizers, herbicides/pesticides .

(iii). Better or Innovational Practices Access – Irrigation water access, tractor hire services, transport or evacuation of produce.

5. Information / Communication technologies are so essential for them, or else, their business may abort on take-off. The sources of the essential services listed above, they should have the details. Or the regular Radio Agriculture Extension, Commercial Radio and TV Services, and Promotional Programmes of Inputs etc. - Could play the MAJOR ROLE RELAYING WHAT THEY NEED!