Federal Research Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas — All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics, Moscow

Abstract

Food security in Africa is the most vulnerable link in the global food security system. For many decades, the level of food security in developing countries in Africa has remained low and has been characterized by a number of persistent problems due to limited resources (especially water and land), climate change, military conflicts, relatively low agricultural productivity and underdeveloped logistics infrastructure. The consequences of global crises such as COVID-19, the conflict in the Middle East and the sanctions pressure on Russia, one of the largest wheat exporters to Africa, have had a significant impact on the incomes of the most vulnerable groups in Africa, including young people and agricultural workers. Rapid population growth and urbanization in African countries are putting additional pressure on food supply. According to FAO, more than 75 % of Africa's population is under the age of 35, and the young, able–bodied population is becoming one of the region's largest assets. Experts predict a further increase in the proportion of young people in Africa, which may more than double by 2055. According to the latest estimates of the International Labour Organization (ILO), about 85 % of young people (as defined by the ILO — people aged 15 to 24 years) in developing countries in Africa live below the poverty line, 70 % live in rural areas, where agriculture is the main source of income and livelihood. Most agricultural workers in developing countries in Africa work informally, in poor and dangerous working conditions, overtime, receiving low and unstable incomes, many of them have to combine more than one type of activity to earn a living. The article examines the problems of rural youth employment in African countries, as well as the role of the agricultural sector in rural development and providing youth with sources of income and employment opportunities in rural areas.