IFPRI: Africa’s youth should look to rural areas for opportunities, here’s why

Africa's demographic landscape is rapidly changing, with the working-age population projected to grow by 30 million a year by 2050. This growth presents a unique challenge and opportunity for the continent, particularly in addressing youth unemployment and inclusive development. James Thurlow, Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), recently discussed the importance of strengthening rural areas and food systems in addressing these pressing issues. Thurlow emphasized the need for inclusive policies that target marginalized groups such as women, youth, refugees, and people in rural areas to ensure they are linked to new economic opportunities. The current trend of rapid urbanization and growth in the big cities has left many smallholder farmers and small businesses behind, especially women and youth who lack the land and assets to tap into the expanding market. In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and eliminate poverty and hunger by 2030, a shift in policy focus is essential. Thurlow highlighted the importance of creating a vibrant rural economy through investments in infrastructure, education, and technology. He pointed out that most of the necessary infrastructure in Africa is yet to be built, presenting an opportunity to prioritize cleaner and greener options with government support. Thurlow also addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food systems in Africa. While food supply chains have been exempt from lockdown policies, disruptions in key growing seasons and closures of restaurants and markets pose a threat to food security. Thurlow stressed the need for proactive policies to ensure a stable and sustainable food supply chain amidst the pandemic.