THE DWINDLING CONNECTION BETWEEN THE YOUTH AND FOOD SECURITY

Agriculture plays such a crucial role in the prosperity of every nation but in Kenya the sector is at a crossroads. Statistics show that the average age in Kenya is 19 years, while the average age of the Kenyan farmer is 60 years, a clear display of the jeopardy Kenya’s food security lies in. Young people’s lack of interest in the sector raises doubts as to whether the country can be food secure when most of its active population is not willing to participate in food production.

A report developed at George Washington University in the United States, revealed that the youth face quite a number of obstacles that obscure their ability to achieve food security. These obstacles can be organized into two barriers: Production Barriers, which include youth’s lack of access to available land, lack of agricultural technologies and farming techniques needed, lack of knowledge to properly utilize the food available, and lack of interest in pursuing agriculture as a career. Secondly, Income Generation Barriers, which include youth’s lack of education, lack of training and market access, and the fact that youth migrating to urban areas to look for white-collar jobs do not produce enough income to maintain household food security.

Ideally, a paradigm shift is essential, where rather than viewing the youth as a challenge, they should be recognized as integral to the solution for food security. Governments need to invest in sensitizing and promoting awareness of the importance of agriculture and highlighting the roles that everyone can take towards becoming food secure. Policymakers must address the lack of available land, the need for agricultural technology and modern farming techniques, youth's disinterest in agricultural careers, and the fact that youth do not consume enough nutrient-rich food. Efforts are being made to attract youth to agriculture through digital platforms and innovations such as social media, apps, robotics, IoT (Internet of Things), and artificial intelligence (AI).

It may be an uphill task to change the mindsets of millennials and the current Gen Zs about agriculture, but it can easily be realized by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to end hunger worldwide by the same year. Africa boasts the youngest population and some of the most fertile lands globally and therefore enough resources to feed its people. Young people are therefore the missing mark to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.