Empowerment of Youth for Transformative Food Systems in Eastern Africa

The Empowerment of Youth for Transformative Food Systems in Eastern Africa project is a three-year regional initiative implemented by the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) to strengthen youth participation in sustainable agriculture and agri-food systems. The project seeks to unlock opportunities for young people through improved access to markets, finance, skills development, mentorship, policy engagement, and institutional support.

Recognizing that young people constitute over 70% of Africa’s population yet remain among the most excluded groups in agricultural value chains, the project aims to transform agriculture into a viable and rewarding livelihood for youth while contributing to food systems transformation across Eastern Africa.

The initiative also strengthens farmer organizations by promoting compliance with the AMEA ISO 18716:2024 standards, thereby improving governance, service delivery, and access to opportunities for farmers and youth.

Project Goal

To strengthen institutional systems that support youth participation in sustainable farming and work within agri-food systems.

Specific Objectives

1. Strengthen Farmer Organizations
   • Formalize and strengthen EAFF and member organizations in line with AMEA ISO 18716:2024 standards.
2. Enhance Youth Participation in Policy
   • Increase youth representation and engagement in agricultural policy processes at national and regional levels.
3. Improve Access to Economic Opportunities
   • Build youth capacities to access jobs, markets, finance, and entrepreneurship opportunities within agri-food systems.
4. Promote Knowledge Sharing and Learning
   • Facilitate effective knowledge management, mentorship, and information exchange among youth to stimulate participation in agriculture.

Funding

• Total Project Budget: USD 442,186
• Funding Requested from AGRA: USD 399,977
• Project Duration: 36 months (2025–2028)

Target Countries

The project will be implemented through EAFF’s membership network across 10 Eastern African countries:

• Burundi
• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• Djibouti
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Rwanda
• South Sudan
• Tanzania
• Uganda

Target Beneficiaries

The project aims to directly and indirectly reach:

• 60,000 youth across Eastern Africa
• 27,000 youth engaged in employment or agribusiness
• 8,000 youth trained, mentored and coached
• 10-member farmer organizations strengthened
• 50 youth focal persons engaged in a regional youth platform

Key Interventions

The project will implement several transformative actions, including:

• Training youth in sustainable production, agribusiness, entrepreneurship, finance, and market access.
• Establishing a regional youth platform for networking and advocacy.
• Conducting youth-to-youth learning and mentorship programs.
• Promoting financial inclusion and youth-friendly financing mechanisms.
• Organizing regional policy dialogues on youth in agriculture.
• Developing knowledge products and facilitating learning events.
• Strengthening farmer organizations through ISO 18716:2024 compliance.

Expected Results

By the end of the project, EAFF expects to achieve:

Institutional Strengthening

• 10 farmer organizations strengthened and aligned with ISO 18716:2024 standards.

Youth Empowerment

• 60,000 youth reached through project interventions.
• 27,000 youth engaged in productive work and agribusiness.
• 15% increase in incomes among participating youth.

Skills Development

• 8,000 youth trained, mentored, and coached in different agricultural value chains.
• Improved access to finance, markets, and business support services.

Policy Influence

• 6,000 youth participating in policy discussions.
• Establishment of one regional youth platform to amplify youth voices in agriculture.

Knowledge and Learning

• Development of knowledge products on sustainable production, finance, markets, agribusiness management, and entrepreneurship.
• Organization of exhibitions, learning events, and regional exchanges to foster peer learning.

Through this initiative, EAFF envisions a future where young people become leaders of resilient, inclusive, and profitable food systems in Eastern Africa.