Young People and Agriculture in Africa: A Review of Research Evidence and EU Documentation

Abstract

This report presents the results of a desk-based study to assess the available research evidence in relation to African young people’s engagement with agriculture, and to analyse how this evidence is reflected in current European Union (EU) policy and programming in Malawi, Ethiopia and Kenya, three of the 89 countries in which Alliance2015 members work. With the aim of stimulating constructive dialogue and debate with the EU and member states in Europe and in countries in Africa, the study sought to address the following questions:

1. Are rural young people in Africa turning their backs on agriculture? 2. What does the research evidence say about young people’s attitudes toward and engagement with agriculture? 3. How is this evidence reflected in Europe’s current policies and programming in the selected A2015 countries? 4. What alternative approaches to policy and programming are suggested by the evidence?