Youth, tech & the de-risked agricultural value chain

Africa, a continent known for its vibrant young population, is increasingly focusing on harnessing the potential of its youth to secure a food-secure future. CNBC Africa recently spoke with William Matovu, Africa Country Strategy Lead at Heifer International, to discuss the intersection of youth, technology, and agriculture in driving sustainable development across the continent. Matovu highlighted the importance of engaging young people in agriculture, emphasizing that without a pipeline of future farmers, Africa could face a food security crisis. As part of Heifer International's initiatives, there is a concentrated effort to integrate technology into the agricultural value chain to make farming more appealing to the youth. By partnering with organizations like the Mastercard Foundation, significant investments are being made to support hundreds of thousands of young people in accessing agricultural jobs, with a focus on creating dignified employment opportunities. Matovu emphasized that the success of these investments lies in not only creating jobs but also in driving local economic development and transforming communities. Heifer International's approach involves building robust ecosystems that enable smallholder farmers to access markets, finance, and infrastructure necessary for sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship. By providing a 'hand up' rather than handouts, the organization aims to empower farmers to thrive independently, ultimately creating a lasting impact on the agriculture sector in Africa. One of the key challenges addressed is the issue of cess costs and inputs that hinder farmers from maximizing their profits in the value chain. To tackle this, Heifer International focuses on organizing smallholder farmers into formal produce organizations that can collectively negotiate better terms and streamline the export process, reducing costs along the way. By promoting collaboration and scalability, the organization aims to transform the agricultural landscape in Africa, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.