Youth urge the State to invest in agroecology
By George.Kebaso, June 2, 2023Climate change and increasing food crisis across the globe must be tackled by investmenting heavily in agro-ecology, youths have said, urging the government to put money in infrastructure to spur growth in the nascent sector.
This, they argue will allow farmers to adapt to climate change challenges while preserving natural resources and biodiversity.
Agroecology is the application of concepts and principals in farming that promotes policies that mitigate climate change by reducing emissions, recycling resources and prioritising local supply chains.
Speaking in Machakos during a week-long conference, the youths drawn from 24 countries in Africa also advocated for implementation of measures that will foster agro-ecological entrepreneurship.
Green entreprenuership
“We are advocating for a comprehensive shift to agroecology across the entire food system, encompassing sustainable resource management, social empowerment, local value addition, short value chains, and equitable access to healthy and culturally appropriate food,” they said in a statement issued by Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes at Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HoMEF), a member of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA).
She said there is need for increased investment in agro-ecology to support small-scale farmers, promote sustainable farming methods, and hence prioritise biodiversity conservation.
The youths called for policies that safeguards the land rights of youth, particularly women and marginalised and indigenous groups. To bolster the efforts of young farmers and entrepreneurs, the youths advocated for tailored financial assistance such as grants, and subsidies. The youths also waded into the debate around Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) calling on an African position against it and other false narratives. They want issues such as the Green Revolution agenda, the carbon market, and any other quick fixes through ecological exploitation to be discussed openly.
In the discussions that took place in Maanzoni Lodge, delegates also talked about fair trade and market access for young farmers involved in agroecological entrepreneurship.
“Creating market links, providing storage and processing facilities, and prioritising local and regional markets are critical,” Dr. Million Belay, AFSA General Coordinator said.
Further, he echoed the youths’ call on policymakers support for youth-led cooperatives and fair pricing initiatives for agricultural produce.