African leaders, civil society representatives, government officials, and development partners have issued a call for urgent action to empower women and youth in the continent’s agricultural sector.
The call came during a meeting held on the sidelines of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda.
The meeting highlighted the critical contributions of women and youth, who constitute nearly two-thirds of the agricultural value chain, from production to distribution.
However, these face persistent challenges including limited access to land, inputs, technology, finance, and market opportunities.
H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and AGRA Board Chair, stressed the importance of good governance and leadership in breaking structural barriers.
He emphasized that “effective governance and committed leadership are paramount to unlocking the full participation of women and youth in Africa’s agri-food systems.”
He further urged decisive action required, with only 11 countries on track to meet 2030 goals for women and youth in agriculture.
Wambui Chege, Director, Agriculture, Pan Africa Programs at Mastercard Foundation, said, “Youth and women must be at the center of our continent’s transformation, not just as participants, but as leaders and change-makers who can shape Africa’s future,” she said.
The African Union Commission has co-developed investment guidelines specifically targeting youth in agriculture.
The Kampala Declaration, which includes the CAADP and Action Plan Strategy, has put emphasis on the role of women and youth in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation.
Agnes Kalibata, AGRA president, called for prioritization and increased investments in the agricultural sector. “Prioritize the agricultural sector to get people out of poverty,” she said, adding, “When 65%?or 75% of the population is in a sector, what that sector needs is more financing.”
Mansoor Ahmad, Deputy Group Head at the UK’s FCDO, urged immediate action, stating, “Now is the time for us to act. We have a clear framework…we must pursue with intention the inclusion of women, youth, and other protected characteristics and communities in program implementation.”
The meeting concluded with a commitment to prioritize and accelerate efforts to fully integrate and empower women and youth in Africa’s agricultural sector to unlocking their potential for inclusive growth and sustainable development.