What are the biggest challenges youth in Africa face after going through youth-specific capacity development initiatives in agriculture?
Corruption and a bad case of misplaced priorities. A lot of youths interested in agriculture still need a sustenance during the start-up phase, in the absence of which t they settle for white collar jobs and end up lingering past the age of youth benefits.
What are the examples of existing post-capacity development sustainability initiatives for youth in agriculture in Africa? What works and what does not? Are there any success stories and good practices that can be shared?
I love a project between Leventis and FG in Nigeria here they run a one year internship, all-expense paid for the youth the challenge is that most qualified youths (interested and passionate about agriculture) do not have the pre requisite of farm land and farm experience. In my opinion, it is quite foolish to be offering a one year training and expecting an applicant to be experience already, if a youth meets all their criteria, such youth would not be needing training, it is a similar situation with most agriculture support programs. you find out most beneficiaries are well positioned more as pen farmers (only farm with keypads and never actually see a farm operation) or youths looking to kill time pending when they get a white collar job not he actual intended beneficiaries.
What post-capacity development support do the youth need? What can the youth do to support each other in developing their skills and capacities?
I personally think vocation agriculture schools should be established in all states, where possible in each LGA and youths from junior Secondary Schools should be able to enrol even its just a summer holiday program. This would help many interested get familiar with modern systems like urban sack farming, organic farming etc...the serious ones can then be given access to lands till then can be independent.
What enabling environment is needed to ensure sustainability of youth in agriculture capacity development initiatives?
A serious reduction in the bureaucratic system, if a youth could pick up a form and be sure of been attended to, instead of going from one office to the other at government establishment with no result. I have mentioned before, the need to reduces and possibly eliminate monetising agriculture benefits...if a body wants to help, bring us machineries that can be leased, or given out, provide trucks for transporting goods on a schedule from farming communities to major cities/markets. Money in its raw element is yet to be of any good to young farmer
Is there a role for modern technologies, including Information and Communication Technologies, in sustaining capacity development initiatives?
A lot of youths are designing solutions for agriculture but they do not see the light of day because no one is listening, everyone is holding seminars but what is the support/feedback platform when a youth keys in and develops a solution for the sector. Instead, the elites try to buy the apps right off them before assisting them with anything thus discouraging them and causing them to look at more viable and flexible sectors like entertainment
Mme Daramola Tolu