Why young people? Why food systems?
Food systems affect everyone and incorporate everything from the way food is produced and distributed, to how it is consumed. As Youth Leaders for Nutrition, we know that the role of young people in transforming food systems is critical. Our generation of youth is the largest in history and has a valuable role to play in making our food systems more sustainable, resilient and effective.
To build back better following the setbacks triggered by Covid-19, we need to create better food systems that meet the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. But our food systems are far more vulnerable without the active participation of young people. We represent the most active and energetic age group and, more importantly, we consume more than any other age group. To build better food systems, young people must be leading the way.
Inclusiveness and equity in the food system
Africa has a large youth population, but young people in Africa tend to be more likely to migrate to urban areas than to move into agriculture. However, there are places where young people are engaged in the agri-food system. According to YouthPower, young people are participating in the agri-food system in a variety of ways in Namibia, Kenya, some parts of South Africa and Nigeria, through formal and informal wage work, unpaid family labour, self-employment and cooperative membership.