Agriculture continues to be an engine of inclusive and accelerated livelihood growth and development, providing many with economic security in Africa and Asia. Currently, 2.5 billion people globally depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Though, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the average age of a farmer is 60 years old.

As the world's population grows and those in the agricultural industry age, there is a significant need for a younger generation to get involved in agriculture. However, youth do not always view agriculture as a lucrative future and often prefer to seek employment in urban areas. Meeting the world’s food needs in a sustainable way will depend on the uptake and acceptance of sustainable agriculture practices by young people. In countries like Uganda and Nepal with agriculture-dependent economies and bulging youth populations, shunning agriculture undermines the livelihoods of the entire nation in the long run.

In response to these challenges facing their respective countries, I, along with my colleague from Uganda led a webinar on youth involvement in sustainable agriculture, their challenges, and possible solutions. Both young leaders will draw from their experiences working on agriculture, youth-led projects, entrepreneurship, opportunities, and successful youth-focused projects in Uganda and Nepal that will help promote the role and involvement of youth in sustainable agriculture.

We presented on the following topics during the program:

• Learn more about the current state of youth involvement in the Agricultural sector in Uganda and Nepal.

• Explore the youth led sustainable agriculture programs in Nepal and Uganda

• Swot analysis of agribusiness in Nepal and Uganda

• Gain insight from what youthLead members are doing to promote sustainable agriculture among the youth

• Examine the responsibilities of youth in sustainable agriculture. Why youth?

• Learn more about the challenges faced by young people in Agriculture.

• Discuss the role the government,NGOs and other bodies can play in promoting youth involvement  in agriculture.