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Young Changemakers

 Front cover of booked titled Young Changemakers

This book by Access Agriculture, a non-profit organisation supporting agroecology and organic farming supported by the European Commission and the FAO, details youth engagement in agriculture as a critical area in Africa and India. The book provides an introduction of the importance of young entrepreneurs in agriculture and follows with a substantial number of case studies and stories from young entrepreneurs from many African nations and Indian states. 

Forward

The Young Entrepreneur Challenge Fund has been set up to support young dynamic people who want to create a business involving disseminating agricultural videos to help farmers and rural businesses, to make agriculture more attractive to youth and reach more women in rural communities. The solar-powered smart projector kit they receive has the Access Agricultural videos in local languages, enabling them to have an impact at scale in the rural areas they serve. Here, meet our challenge fund winners – true Entrepreneurs for Rural Access (ERAs)

The issue of youth engagement in agriculture is a critical concern in both Africa and India. Traditional perceptions of agriculture as a low-status, unskilled occupation, coupled with limited access to resources and market opportunities, have contributed to a significant disinterest among young people in pursuing careers in agriculture. 

The stories of the young ERAs stand as a testament to the potential of rural youth to drive meaningful change in agriculture and food systems. Their dedication, resilience, and innovative spirit serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to join hands in creating a more sustainable and equitable future for agriculture and rural communities. As we embark on this journey of transformation, let us continue to support and empower the next generation of changemakers, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their efforts are recognised and celebrated. Together, we can unleash the power of rural youth to transform food systems and build a more sustainable and resilient future for all

Reference

Van Mele, P., Mohapatra, S., Tabet, L. and Flao, B. 2024. Young changemakers: Scaling agroecology using video in Africa and India. Access Agriculture, Brussels, 175 pp.

Read more here. See also the TABLE explainer What is food sovereignty?

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