Agricultural science can speed job creation for youth in Africa South of the Sahara
This expert opinion written by Karen Brooks, Director of the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets and published on the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform on inclusieve development policies, focuses on the role of agricultural science for job creation in Africa. Young people born on farms choosing to remain in rural areas have more opportunities than in the past, and agriculture is receiving new attention as a potential source of employment. Farms that want to attract young people will need a transformation from traditional to modern farming. Neither existing farmers nor potential young entrants to the job market can accomplish this alone and investments and knowledge are needed. The article highlights that African leaders have already recognized in principle that transformative agricultural growth requires more investment in science and technology. According to Brooks, removing or reducing current barriers will attract more young people to agricultural careers and help those already farming to do so more successfully.