The significance of sustainability and environmental consciousness cannot be overstated in our rapidly changing world. Climate change poses unprecedented challenges, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has become a global imperative. As we strive to create a greener, more sustainable world, the role of youth in agriculture and their green skills take center stage. On International Youth Day 2023 (12 August), the theme “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World” highlights young people’s pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture and fostering sustainability.
Green skills encompass diverse competencies, knowledge, attitudes, and values that empower individuals to thrive and contribute to a sustainable society. These skills include technical expertise that effectively utilizes green technologies and practices and transversal skills that foster environmentally conscious decision-making in personal and professional contexts. While green skills are valuable for all age groups, their importance is particularly profound for the youth, who hold the potential to drive the green transition for generations to come.
International Youth Day 2023 celebrates the immense potential of youth in spearheading sustainability efforts and calls for nurturing their green skills to ensure a sustainable future. By providing them with opportunities for education, training, and practical application of green skills, we empower youth to become effective change agents within the agricultural community. As the world embarks on a green transition, it is vital to embrace the potential of youth and empower them to lead the way towards sustainable agriculture practices. Embracing sustainable agricultural practices can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, enhance food security, and protect our natural resources.
One of the key aspects of green skills in agriculture is embracing agroecological practices. These techniques integrate natural processes and biological diversity to optimize plant and animal interactions, ensuring a resilient and productive farming system. From organic farming to permaculture, young farmers can champion these sustainable techniques that prioritize the health of ecosystems while still meeting the growing demand for food.
Furthermore, empowering youth with green skills can develop more efficient and sustainable farming technologies. From precision agriculture that optimizes resource use to vertical farming that reduces land and water consumption, innovative farming methods can revolutionize the agricultural sector and foster greater sustainability.
Collaboration and knowledge exchange are essential in cultivating green skills among the youth. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and agricultural institutions must work together to create platforms for mentorship, training, and sharing best practices. Supporting youth-led initiatives and providing access to resources and funding can enable the next generation of agricultural leaders to drive positive change.
As we celebrate International Youth Day 2023, let us recognize the vital role of youth in shaping the future of agriculture and environmental sustainability. By investing in their green skills, we secure a sustainable future for agriculture and empower the youth to become effective advocates for a greener and more resilient planet.
Feature articles:
- Increased fish demand in Gabon offers youth an outlet for aquaculture
- Rural youth: protecting the climate through innovation
- Launch of innovative projects to boost youth employment in local milk value chains in West Africa and Chad
- Audio resource on education and safe employment for youth in the coffee industry
- Reconciling rural youth with family farming and unleashing their potential in West Africa
- Farming pays – Graduate Farmer tells the youth
- Thousands of youth called to practice farming as a profession
- A parliamentarian boosts youth engagement in agriculture through radio
- Youth Organization for Peace and rural development promotes sustainable agriculture