The Kigali Youth Declaration was signed by over 1,000 young people at the African Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, on September 6, 2024.
It has the potential to reshape Africa’s future by empowering youth to drive innovation, inclusivity, and economic growth in agriculture and climate action.
Africa’s youth population, which makes up a significant portion of the continent’s demographics, holds immense potential for driving positive change in the agricultural sector.
By engaging young people in addressing challenges such as unemployment and food insecurity, the Kigali Youth Declaration recognizes the crucial role they play in securing a sustainable future.
Examples of successful youth-led agricultural initiatives, such as the Rwanda Youth Involvement in Agribusiness (RYAF) platform, which has over 12,000 registered youth involved in agriculture, demonstrate the impact of empowering young people.
These initiatives not only provide employment opportunities but also foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Technology and innovation are at the forefront of addressing climate change in agriculture.
Young innovators are developing cutting-edge solutions to tackle the challenges posed by a changing climate.
By integrating sustainable practices into traditional farming methods, these young leaders are paving the way for a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.
The Kigali Youth Declaration emphasizes the importance of gender inclusivity and diverse representation in driving change.
Women and marginalized groups play a vital role in agriculture, and their contributions are often overlooked.
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