With 1.3 billion people aged 15 to 24 worldwide, youth are a massive force in shaping agrifood systems. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released a report titled The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems.
It shows how empowering young people can boost food security, drive economic growth, and strengthen resilience to global challenges.
Nearly 85 percent of young people live in low- and lower-middle-income countries where agriculture is vital for livelihoods. Improving youth participation in agrifood systems could create a $1 trillion impact on the global economy.
Today, 44 percent of working youth rely on agrifood jobs, compared to 38 percent of working adults. However, that share varies greatly, from 82 percent in protracted crisis regions to 23 percent in industrial economies.
YOUTH FACE GROWING FOOD INSECURITY AND JOB CHALLENGES
Food insecurity among youth has risen sharply, jumping from 16.7 percent to 24.4 percent between 2014 and 2023. The report highlights that over 20 percent of youth are not in employment, education, or training—known as NEET youth.
Young women are twice as likely to be NEET, facing greater barriers to jobs and resources. If countries could eliminate youth unemployment and support NEET youth aged 20 to 24, global GDP could grow by 1.4 percent.
This change would unlock $1.5 trillion in value, nearly half of it from agrifood systems.
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE KEY TO ADDRESSING FUTURE FOOD AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES
Youth will soon replace an aging workforce in agriculture while increasing food production for a growing global population.
At the same time, they must adapt to climate change, water scarcity, and rapid urbanization that threaten food security. According to FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, empowering youth can create a ripple effect that transforms agrifood systems worldwide.
STRATEGIC ACTIONS TO EMPOWER YOUTH IN AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS
The FAO report proposes three strategies to drive change: inquire more, include more, and invest more.
Inquire More focuses on closing knowledge gaps and building evidence for youth-inclusive policies.
Include More ensures diverse youth voices shape decisions about food systems and rural development.
Invest More channels resources into training, infrastructure, and market access to unlock youth potential.
INVESTMENTS CAN MAKE AGRICULTURAL CAREERS ATTRACTIVE AGAIN
Many rural youth live in areas with high agricultural potential, but lack infrastructure and support. Improving roads, digital connectivity, and credit access could make farming more appealing and sustainable.
Climate shocks also pose a severe threat, with 395 million rural youth living where productivity is expected to decline. Addressing these risks requires stronger social protection programs and investments in climate adaptation.
HARNESSING MIGRATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR FUTURE GROWTH
Youth migration can help fill labor gaps if it is safe and well-managed. Policies that facilitate orderly migration could balance rural labor needs and youth aspirations.
At the same time, expanding digital access helps young farmers modernize production and connect with new markets.
The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems report shows that empowering youth isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s an economic opportunity. With targeted investments and inclusive policies, young people can become the driving force behind resilient and sustainable food systems.
Their success will help ensure that future generations enjoy food security, decent jobs, and healthier communities worldwide.
