Gender and youth

Gender and climate-resilient agriculture: A review of concepts and practical resources in support of gender-transformative change
Gender and youth

To advance the use of gender-transformative approaches in climate-resilient agriculture (CRA), a review of practical resources that could support researchers and practitioners in applying gender and CRA was undertaken. The review consolidates and assesses diverse, practical resources—including research tools, methods and broader guidance—that aim to address gender inequalities/inequities, climate and agriculture, albeit to varying degrees. A conceptual framework was developed to guide the review. This framework helped establish the gender

International Youth Day 2024: Youth digital pathways for sustainable development
Communication and ICTs

August 12, 2024, marks International Youth Day, a day dedicated to showcasing the potential and addressing the challenges faced by young people globally. Often considered “digital natives,” young people are at the forefront of innovating with new technologies. This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlights how digital innovation empowers youth to lead sustainable development. In a world where digital transformation is rapidly shaping

Young women and men in Somalia are embracing technology to promote peace
Communication and ICTs

A short yet perilous seven-kilometre road connects the towns of Buufow and Shalanbood in southern Somalia. The once-prosperous agricultural area that produced fruits and vegetables for the region has experienced decades of conflict and destabilization. Just like most parts of the country, the region is severely affected by the ongoing drought. The two communities have had to cope with the increasing scarcity of natural resources from which to derive their

Creating opportunities for youth and women with digital agriculture
Gender and youth

Agriculture, including fisheries and forestry, is facing many challenges that stem from a range of factors, including erratic weather patterns, changing demographics, turbulence in the global economy and conflicts. These factors exert unprecedented pressure on the world’s agrifood systems. Small-scale producers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly those in Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), are among the most vulnerable groups. Without sustainable agricultural production, many countries are unable to

Rural women: Strengthening leadership and influence
Gender and youth

The leadership program dedicated to francophone rural women, launched last year, recently held its second edition. From May 27 to 31, 2024, in Munich, Germany, an intensive workshop brought together rural women from the 5 regions members of PAFO and their German counterparts from the German Rural Women’s Association (Dlv). Designed as an interactive training session, the workshop aimed to strengthen women’s decision-making skills within farmers’ organizations. Participants had the

Special feature: International Day of Potato 2024 – Harvesting diversity, feeding hope
Communication and ICTs

The International Day of the Potato 2024, May 30, is celebrated under the theme “Harvesting diversity, feeding hope,” bringing together innovation, resilience, and hope across Africa. YenKasa Africa celebrates this day by showcasing various potato stories, highlighting the continent’s diverse efforts to improve agriculture and food security. Potatoes are a key crop across diverse farming systems globally. As the third most consumed food crop globally, they contribute to the food

Young people hold the key to Africa’s green economy
Gender and youth

Globally, over 73 million young people are unemployed, with the issue most pronounced in rural areas of developing countries, particularly Africa. Annually, while 12 million youths enter the labour market, only 3 million jobs are created. As of 2020, one in five young people in Africa were neither working, studying, nor training. Producing nutritious food is increasingly difficult amid challenges like climate change, environmental degradation, and rising populations. The International

From city to soil: Young graduates seek a better life in rural areas
Gender and youth

While the global unemployment rate is declining, this hasn’t benefited everyone. Youth unemployment continues to be much higher than the rate for adults, with some 73 million young people all over the world struggling to find work and make a living. In cities worldwide, many university graduates are either jobless or do not earn enough to survive in an urban setting. This is why some young people are leaving the city and moving to

Strengthening rural value chains, one link at a time
Gender and youth

Well-oiled agricultural value chains build prosperous rural communities. Why? Because they allow small-scale farmers to make the most of their produce – and because each link along the chain can add value, enabling them to earn more for the final product. Value chains can be short or long. Take mushrooms, for example. They can be grown, picked, wiped clean, and then sold directly to the consumer. Alternatively, they can be

PAFO Women's Colleges: Empower, strengthen rural women, influence
Gender and youth

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, it is essential to reflect on the progress made in gender equality, particularly in critical sectors for global sustainability, such as agriculture. The commitment of PAFO to gender inclusivity in agriculture is a commendable step towards a more equitable and resilient future. By establishing the Continental Women’s College within PAFO, the pan-African organization aims to amplify the voices of rural women, ensuring they