How do ICTs encourage young people to see agriculture as a viable career path? How can technology support youth-led agribusiness? Please share any specific examples

Globally, the agriculture sector is aging, with the average farmer around 60 years old. At the same time, young people are struggling to find work, often moving to urban centers for employment opportunities. Can information and communication technologies (ICTs) provide an avenue to increase youth’s participation in agriculture, making it a more profitable and sound career path? In the run up to World Telecommunications and Information Society Day on May 17, the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), in partnership with the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (CSAYN), will host a month-long online discussion on the Climate & Agriculture Network for Africa (CANA) platform about youth in agriculture and how they are using ICTs to innovate, address climate change and engage in agribusiness.

Beginning on April 15, join us every Monday to respond to and discuss our question of the week with others invested in youth in agriculture. This discussion will culminate in a webinar on Wednesday, May 15 where topics related to youth and ICTs in the context of agriculture will be covered by experts and young people alike.



Week 2 (22 April – 26 April):
How do ICTs encourage young people to see agriculture as a viable career path? How can technology support youth-led agribusiness? Please share any specific examples

The youth tend to be tech-savvy and they can be involved in developing digital applications that can be used to enhance agriculture along different points of the value chain.