36

AgriJobs

Employment for rural youth

How to Lay Ground for Sustainable Youth Employment through Business Modelling

This How-to-Paper outlines strategies for promoting business models that support rural youth employment in the agri-food sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. It emphasizes the need for viable models specifically tailored to youth and women in the context of rural areas, considering factors like market potential, employment creation, and financial as well as geographical accessibility. The paper discusses the process of prioritizing agricultural value chains, analysing youth-friendly business opportunities, and identifying the necessary technical and entrepreneurial skills set for successful promotion through local partnerships. Finally, it explores case studies highlighting experiences, key details, and lessons learned from various business models in production, processing, and service provision in four countries.

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Topics:
  • Business development
Countries:

Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya

  • HowTo Paper
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Cette étude a servi de base à la sélection de notre chaîne de valeur et de notre modèle d'entreprise au Burkina Faso.
French
Countries : Burkina Faso
This study provided the foundation for our value chain and business model selection in Mozambique.
English
Countries : Mozambique
This study provided the foundation for our value chain and business model selection in Malawi.
English
Countries : Malawi
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36

AgriJobs

Employment for rural youth

© 2024 All Rights Reserved

“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