Global Youth Hold the Key to Food Security and Climate Resilience, Says New UN Report
A new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has delivered a powerful message to world leaders: young people are essential to the future of food systems, climate action, and global economic growth—but unlocking their potential will require bold, coordinated efforts.
Titled “The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems,” the report examines how empowering youth—especially in low- and middle-income countries—could reshape global agriculture and generate widespread benefits. With a staggering 1.3 billion people between the ages of 15 and 24 around the world, and nearly 85% of them living in developing nations, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Youth Employment in Agriculture Could Boost Global GDP by $1.5 Trillion
According to the report, bridging the youth employment gap in agriculture alone could boost the global economy by 1.4%—an increase valued at $1.5 trillion. Of this, about 45% would come directly from improvements in agrifood systems.
Yet, despite their potential, over 20% of youth worldwide are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). Alarmingly, young women are twice as likely to fall into this category. Providing jobs and opportunities for youth aged 20 to 24 who are currently disengaged from work or education could result in a transformative economic boost.
Agriculture Is Already the Largest Employer of Youth—But It’s Not Enough
Today, 44% of working youth are employed in agrifood systems, compared to 38% of working adults. But these numbers vary greatly depending on the region. In areas facing prolonged crises, like parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the figure is as high as 82%. In more industrialized systems, it drops to just 23%.
And while young people are crucial to feeding a growing world, food insecurity among youth has risen significantly—from 16.7% (2014–2016) to 24.4% (2021–2023). This rise is most pronounced in Africa, where climate shocks and economic volatility are hitting hardest.
Climate Crisis: A Growing Threat to Rural Youth
With climate extremes increasing in frequency and severity, rural youth are particularly vulnerable. The report estimates that 395 million young people live in areas projected to experience declines in agricultural productivity, particularly in regions reliant on traditional farming systems.
This puts millions at risk—not only of food insecurity but also of losing their livelihoods. Young farmers and entrepreneurs are being asked to confront challenges like feeding a growing population, replacing an aging agricultural workforce, and adapting to water scarcity, urban migration, and climate disruptions.
Urban vs Rural: Where Youth Live Matters
The FAO report offers insights into youth demographics, noting that 54% of the world’s youth live in urban areas, with the largest concentrations in Eastern Asia. In contrast, rural youth account for just 5% of the population in industrialized agrifood systems—a statistic that points to potential labor shortages in the near future unless agricultural work becomes more appealing.
Still, many rural youth live in areas rich in agricultural potential. With the right investments—in infrastructure, training, markets, and technology—these areas could become thriving centers of sustainable food production.
A Blueprint for Action: Inquire, Include, Invest
To fully empower youth as agents of change in the agrifood system, the FAO recommends a three-pillar strategy:
- Inquire More: Fill critical knowledge and data gaps to strengthen youth-focused policy and program design.
- Include More: Ensure youth voices—especially from marginalized and diverse communities—are heard in policy and decision-making spaces.
- Invest More: Increase targeted financial and technical investments in youth-led agriculture and innovation, both on and off the farm.
These actions must be paired with digital inclusion, expanded access to resources, modernization of farming practices, and support for safe and voluntary youth migration, which can help address labor shortages in both rural and urban regions.
A Wake-Up Call—and a Window of Opportunity
Youth are not just the future of agriculture—they are the now. The FAO’s report makes it clear: investing in young people is one of the most powerful tools we have to end hunger, fight climate change, and create shared prosperity.
The time to act is now.
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