Advancing youth careers in Kenya’s agri-food sector

Context

Agriculture drives Kenya's national economy, employing 60 per cent of the workforce and contributing over half of the gross domestic product (GDP). With 75 per cent of the population under the age of 35, attracting more young people to join this sector is essential.

In rural areas, where 70 per cent of the population lives, agriculture is vital for food security, self-sufficiency, and employment. Yet, only 10 per cent of young people work in the sector, since many youths perceive agriculture as high-risk and unappealing, resulting in their underrepresentation in this field.

Recognising this untapped potential, the government prioritises youth employment and skills development in agriculture through key policies like the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (2019-2029), the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and Vision 2030.

Objective

Rural youth in Western Kenya are benefiting from sustainable income and employment opportunities in the agrifood-sector in Western Kenya.

Approach

The project equips youth with the tools they need for success - access to information, professional guidance, start-up capital, markets, networks, and training. It promotes an inclusive, climate-resilient transformation of the agri-food sector in Western Kenya. Important measures include:

• Supportive frameworks: The project collaborates with state and non-state actors to implement the "County Youth Agribusiness Strategies“.
• Improving access to resources: It upgrades Farmer Service Centers to expand young farmers' access to vital resources, including services, markets, and agricultural inputs.
• Building business skills: The project offers mentorship and a structured training programme (Small And Medium Enterprise Loop), to help young entrepreneurs improve finance, marketing, and operations.
• Changing perceptions: The project uses various media and learning formats to change how young people view the agri-food industry.

Last update: November 2024