As African leaders converged in Nairobi to assess progress made in transforming our food systems, one particular observation by Sir David Nabarro caught my attention. He noted that the food systems transformation process can be messy – given the multiplicity of sectors, actors, interests, and regions involved. But out of the mess, he said, something beautiful can emerge.

Sir David’s optimism echoes what is known in Flip Thinking as the “Yes, And” approach rather than the more common “Yes, But” mindset – an idea developed by Berthold Gunster. It is this spirit of hopeful convergence of food systems actors, sectors, and issues that inspires this column: that Africa will recognise the central role technical and vocational education and training (TVET) must play in food systems transformation.

In private conversations during the three-day Africa summit, when I shared that I was bringing the voice of TVET into the food systems dialogue, many acknowledged the difficulty in envisioning this connection. Yet, the connection is both necessary and urgent.

Let’s unpack it.

Dr Agnes Kalibata, in her keynote address, reminded us that 60 percent of agricultural land under production in Africa is degraded and needs urgent restoration. The 30 by 30 initiative – which aims to restore 30 percent of degraded land by 2030 – is a strong confirmation of this reality and effort to find a solution.

Another fact: While there is a myth of the ageing African farmer at average age 60, research indicates farming in Africa is dominated by youths with an average age of 32–39. This is why youths must be at the centre of food systems transformation. If we are to build a resilient future, empowering them with the necessary skills and resources is imperative.

Africa’s vast youthful population is often referred to as Africa’s demographic dividend – a term that repeatedly came up in most speakers’ presentations and discussions during the summit.

Dr Ibrahim Mayaki has previously argued that unless we dignify young people in Africa, their productivity will remain compromised. With changing climate and fluid geopolitical dynamics, skilling and reskilling our youth is the best pathway to transforming Africa’s food systems.

In previous articles in this column, I have highlighted how technical institutions and skills are directly linked to food systems transformation and local climate action.

With innovative TVET modular training – which allows young people to acquire skills in as little as three months – coupled with Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) dual training, where trainees spend over 50 percent of their time in industry, we have an opportunity. By partnering with food systems actors to attract and train youth, we can build relevant green skills and enterprises and stimulate interest in careers within the food systems continuum that will catalyse food systems transformation.

(Writer’s note: I’m grateful to Dr Agnes Kalibata and Sir Davd Nabarro for reviewing this article and for their contribution.)

The writer is a UN global food
systems Youth Leader, Vocational and Technical Trainer, and
4Communication Consultant