36

AgriJobs

Employment for rural youth

How to Enhance Access to Finance for Rural Youth in the Agri-Food Sector

This guide presents practical strategies to improve access to financial services for youth in rural areas. It highlights the crucial role of financial inclusion in tackling youth unemployment, boosting food security, and fostering sustainable economic development. The document explores key obstacles—such as limited collateral, regulatory barriers, and low financial literacy—while identifying opportunities through digital innovation, tailored financial products, and local partnerships. Additionally, it features case studies and lessons learned from various projects, offering valuable insights for financial service providers and development practitioners aiming to empower rural youth.

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Topics:
  • Access to finance
Countries:

Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya

  • Guidelines
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FEATURED
Explorer des stratégies pour l'emploi des jeunes dans le secteur agroalimentaire africain via des modèles d'entreprise adaptés et des études de cas.
French
Countries : Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya
FEATURED
La boîte à outils fournit des outils efficaces et des exemples pour promouvoir l'emploi des jeunes dans le secteur agroalimentaire.
French
Countries : Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya, Germany, Others
FEATURED
Ce guide pratique aide les organisations de jeunesse établies à étendre leur portée et leur impact, grâce à des idées adaptables à chaque contexte unique.
French
Countries : Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya
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36

AgriJobs

Employment for rural youth

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“I started a banana nursery with two friends to provide farms with virus-free, high-quality seedlings. Our vision is to substitute banana imports from Tanzania with local production.” 

– Patrick,  Operator of a seedling nursery  (Malawi) 

“Youth run away from agribusiness because they view it as something negative that can’t bring them money. I’m not saying it’s an easy journey, but as youth we have the energy to do something. Especially when we come together as a group.” 

– Curlstar, Founder of the Vihiga Youth Agripreneurs Network (Kenya)

“During the Covid-pandemic, I had the idea to produce Mango juice, as I knew that demand was there. Thanks to the right support, I have built up a professional production, employing three people during Mango season.”

– Adjaratou, Fruit juice entrepreneur (Burkina Faso) 

“Not long ago, I didn’t have any work of my own, I just did what everyone in our village does – help my parents in the fields. I never thought that one day I would start my own business. I would like to see more young people to have the courage to start their own business in the countryside.” 

– Fabelsa, Chicken egg producer (Mozambique) 

“Youth run away from agribusiness because they view it as something negative that can’t bring them money. I’m not saying it’s an easy journey, but as youth we have the energy to do something. Especially when we come together as a group.” 

– Curlstar, Founder of the Vihiga Youth Agripreneurs Network (Kenya)

“It’s high time for young people to migrate from just conceiving agriculture as a culture or tradition and to now start embracing agriculture as a business which can assist in creating sustainable employment.”

– Brian, Peanut butter producer (Malawi)

...inspiring

Read more about Brian’s peanut butter business journey and why he wants to inspire other youths.

Shamba Shape Up: Kenyan television show on modernising farming businesses

The Agri-Jobs 4 Youth Podcast from Kenya

Podcast: How can we strengthen rural areas and create sufficient job opportunities?

“It is difficult for me to find suitable employees. For many women of my age, family responsibilities always take precedence. Even my husband smiled at me at first and did not believe in me. Today, he supports me and takes care of the children when I cannot make it home on time.”

– Adjaratou, Fruit juice entrepreneur (Burkina Faso)

...gender-sensitive

Learn more about Adjaratou’s Journey in Burkina Faso

PDF: How To… Promote Gender-Transformative Approaches within Rural Youth Employment Programmes

Building Businesses, Changing Lives: Women Agripreneurs in Mozambique

Small Cup, Big Impact

“Thanks to a digital career platform, I learned how to write a better CV, compete in job interviews and finally found a job in a seedling company that was advertised on the platform.”

– Sharon, Sales and marketing employee (Kenya)

...digital

Get to know Sharon’s career path in Western Kenya.

PDF: How To… Promote Digitalisation Within Rural Youth Employment Programmes

How informal workers in Mozambique find jobs through an app
Find the Right Job Vacancies in Kenya
Yoh!Timveni | Find job vacancies, scholarships, training and business opportunities in Malawi
YouthConnekt Burkina
Biscate

“To be honest, I never thought about taking the leap into self-employment. Apart from that – I wouldn‘t have known how to do it. My very own success: I am no longer dependent on my parents. Even better, I can finally give something back to them.”

– Renny, Poultry farmer (Kenya)

...youth-centered

Learn more about Renny’s leap into self employment

PDF: How To… Identify Youth Specific Business Models (coming soon)

“Not long ago, I didn’t have any work of my own, I just did what everyone in our village does – help my parents in the fields. I never thought that one day I would start my own business. I would like to see more young people to have the courage to start their own business in the countryside.” 

– Fabelsa, Chicken egg producer (Mozambique) 

“During the Covid-pandemic, I had the idea to produce Mango juice, as I knew that demand was there. Thanks to the right support, I have built up a professional production, employing three people during Mango season.”

– Adjaratou, Fruit juice entrepreneur (Burkina Faso) 

“I started a banana nursery with two friends to provide farms with virus-free, high-quality seedlings. Our vision is to substitute banana imports from Tanzania with local production.” 

– Patrick,  Operator of a seedling nursery  (Malawi) 

“I make compost as a source of income and to preserve our environment. It makes me very proud to be the number one compost producer in my area. I also decided to produce a bio-repellent – not only for my own production but also for other producers.”

– Sansan, Producer of biological agricultural inputs (Burkina Faso)

...sustainable

Get to know more about Sansan’s ecological business on YouTube

PDF: How to… Promote Green Jobs in the Agri-Food Sector

PDF: How to… Leverage Rural Youth Employment through Agroecology

YouTube playlist: Agroecology