Strengthening youth employment in Ecuadorian agriculture
04.09.2024
On 28 August 2024 at the Interactive Science Museum in Quito, Ecuador, a renewed commitment to bolster youth employment in agriculture was made. The Ministers of Agriculture, Production, and Labour attended, engaging in meaningful discussions with young people.
Various government ministries pledged to coordinate efforts on training, market access, financing, and entrepreneurship promotion, and to strengthen public policies focused on agricultural youth employment. Representatives from the private sector, financial institutions, embassies, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations working with youth also attended the event.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) facilitated this gathering as part of the Rural Youth Employment and Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative projects. In the days leading up to the event, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative in Ecuador, Saadia Sánchez, and Vice Minister of Tourism, and Silvana Ramírez, offered motivational messages to the youth.
According to the attending authorities, retaining young people in rural areas and preventing their involvement in illicit activities must be a priority. In this context, FAO underscored the need to modernize rural areas through investments in the agrifood sector. This year, the United Nations agency announced a USD 1.3 million non-refundable cooperation investment in agri-bio entrepreneurial ventures through the Rural Youth Employment initiative. The primary goal is to boost youth employment thereby creating income and job opportunities across the agrifood value chains.
“At the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, we will continue to work together to bring more technology and innovation to agriculture. We need to ignite creativity of young people to achieve sustainable development in the rural sector," said Danilo Palacios, Ecuador’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.
The event brought together 100 young entrepreneurs from all 24 provinces of Ecuador, who had previously participated in an agribusiness bootcamp, and business rounds focused on inclusion and the promotion of Ecuadorian youth talent. "This event has been an enriching experience. I will return to my province with new techniques and tools to position my product in the organic market," said Eduardo Orozco, manager of Cerquié, an enterprise from Chimborazo province specializing in organic quinoa extrusions in vanilla, chocolate, and passion fruit flavours.
"Investing and generating opportunities for young people, especially in job creation, will ensure that the future of Ecuador is sustainable, dignified and equitable," said Lena Savelli, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ecuador.
With FAO’s support, Ecuador is committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering synergies to attract investments in the agrifood system. Gherda Barreto, FAO Representative in Ecuador, emphasized that new investments should focus on creating decent and appropriate rural youth employment along the value chains, with a strong emphasis on modernizing rural areas.
International Congress on Sustainable Finance for Agribusiness and Family Farming
The country is preparing for its first International Congress on Sustainable Finance for Agribusiness and Family Farming, scheduled to take place on 11–12 September 2024, in Quito. Organized by FAO and BanEcuador, under the theme "Hand in Hand towards Sustainable Finance," the event aims to foster collaboration for the adoption of sustainable financial practices that support the economic development of agribusiness and family farming in Ecuador.
The congress will dive into a range of critical topics, including public policy for sustainable production, inclusive rural development, sustainable finance, and innovation for sustainability. In addition, a dynamic workshop will bring together experts and key stakeholders to craft sustainable finance solutions tailored to the country's unique needs.
Attendees will also experience the "Hand-in-Hand Hall," a vibrant space showcasing provincial profiles that highlight local agricultural potentials, designed to attract investment. Meanwhile, a bustling fair will offer rural entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their products and connect directly with public banks, investors, and private sector leaders.