Harnessing the Untapped Potential of Youth Agripreneurship in Creating Employment and Food Security in Africa

Abstract

Agripreneurship has huge potential to create employment, especially for youths and women, and thereby to reduce poverty in Africa. It is among the most promising sectors in Africa and an essential driver of economic development. But this potential has yet to be tapped. Through a review of relevant literature, this paper highlights the role of agripreneurship in creating youth employment in Africa and further highlights strategies for job creation for youth in agriculture. Secondary data was gathered from databases such as Google Scholar, John Wiley, Springer, SAGE, Scopus, and Taylor and Francis. If properly integrated, youth have the capacity to drive socio-economic development in Africa. However, despite its enormous potential, more work must be done to effectively incorporate youth in agripreneurship in Africa. The findings further indicate that youth participation in agribusiness can enhance youth employment and food production in Africa. Increased efforts to integrate youth into the food system will reduce the incidence of crime and poverty on the African continent. Government and development sector players must collaborate and form coalitions to tackle the challenge of youth unemployment collectively rather than in silos. Proper strategies and integration of youth in agripreneurship will increase job creation, food security, and income for many African farmers.