Engaging Youth in Agricultural Development

Whatever we do has an impact on the planet, it could be good or bad. However as an individual we have the power to control most of our choices from where we live to what you buy or eat, to light our home, to how you shop or vote. We need to start reaping the benefits of going  green by conserving our forests and wildlife and engage in agriculture. Today I dedicate this blogpost to agriculture, particularly Youth in Agriculture.

Agriculture has the potential to change the way we eat and farm, and to revolutionize our relationship with the food on our planet. This sector is recognized as the most effective means to reduce poverty, especially in developing countries. Agriculture is identified as one of the four economic pillars. As pockets of poverty are concentrated in rural areas, achieving the MDG target of reducing the incidence of poverty by 50 % by 2015 will depend largely on poverty reduction in rural areas where agriculture is a major economic activity.

Youth can serve as an important focus group for rural development, especially in areas where the level of social capital is low and when institutional quality is poor. Focusing on the youth it is important to note that it stimulates sustainable agricultural development, which can improve social capital, reduce risk and stimulate economic growth.

In my young life, having been involved in international affairs and development, I have had the honor to engage with YPARD and meet young professionals in Agriculture from around the world. I have a dream to raise the importance of the need for more agricultural leaders and i believe many solutions to development issues will not be efficient without youth to make a positive impact on the environment and our community.

I have made this short video to encourage young people to make a lasting difference in Agriculture. We have enormous potential, fresh ideas, capacity that is often at the core of growth and rural development. We are the greatest generation, this is our moment, and this is our time! Together, we will transform the world, towards a better future.