Why in news?
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Food Programme released a joint report in 2025 analysing the status of young people in agrifood systems. It highlighted declining youth participation in agriculture and rising food insecurity among young populations.
Key findings
- Youth leaving agriculture: Globally, the share of youth (aged 15–35) engaged in agriculture fell from around 40 percent in 2005 to 32 percent in 2024. In India, the farm sector employs only about 30 percent of working youth despite agriculture’s 16 percent share of GDP.
- NEET youth: The proportion of youth not in education, employment or training (NEET) remains high—around 27 percent worldwide. Women, rural youth and those in fragile contexts face higher NEET rates.
- Potential gains: The report estimates that closing the youth employment gap could add nearly US $500 billion to low‑ and middle‑income countries’ GDP by 2030.
- Climate vulnerability: Young farmers are disproportionately affected by climate change due to small landholdings, limited access to credit and lack of insurance. Erratic rains and pest outbreaks threaten their livelihoods.
- Food insecurity: One in five young people in low‑income countries faces moderate or severe food insecurity. Rising food prices and pandemic‑related job losses have worsened hunger.
Recommendations
- Education and skills: Incorporate agritech, climate‑smart farming and entrepreneurship into school curricula. Support vocational training and apprenticeships in processing, logistics and marketing.
- Access to resources: Provide young farmers with land, affordable credit, crop insurance and mechanisation. Digital platforms can connect youth to markets and advisory services.
- Inclusive policies: Address gender norms, land inheritance laws and social protection barriers that limit women and marginalised youth. Encourage youth cooperatives and producer organisations.
- Risk management: Expand crop and livestock insurance schemes, early‑warning systems and climate‑resilient infrastructure to protect young producers.