Join this online learning opportunity, taking place from Nov. 6 to Dec. 8, in English and French. Deadline to apply is Nov. 3. Apply here: https://idep-applications.uneca.org/?language=en
Background
Women make up more than 50% of Africa’s population and 80% of them reside in rural areas. Over 60% are employment in rural areas in the agriculture sector . The trend is not much different for youth. They are ill-equipped and lack the required skills to spot economic or business opportunities or start up a business enterprise especially in Agriculture, hence, the urgent need to create viable economic opportunities to engage this category.
A 2017 International Labour Organization report points out that given “the limited capacity of other sectors to absorb the growing labour force, agriculture will remain important for employment and livelihoods in the near future” for young people in both farming and related activities. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a huge scope of action that goes from enhancing agricultural trade and food security to boosting industrialization and strengthening agro-industry in Africa. This is a job-creation driver and entrepreneurship opportunities for local populations especially for youth and women.
The capacity development training aims to empower women and youth engaged in agriculture to seize the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Recognizing the crucial role of agriculture in Africa’s economic growth and the potential of AfCFTA to foster regional integration and trade, this training program seeks to equip women and youth with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to thrive in the agricultural sector and access regional and international markets. By addressing gender disparities, providing entrepreneurial training, and enhancing agricultural practices, the program aims to promote inclusive and sustainable agricultural development for the benefit of individuals and the continent at large.
It is against this background that the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) in partnership with the ECA Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD), the Songhai Regional Centre, and the associations of women entrepreneurs in Africa, and with the financial support of Denmark, organizes this capacity development training for Women and Youth Empowerment in Agriculture in the context of the AfCFTA.