Taking Young People Back to the Farm: Experiences from East Africa
By Bunmi Akinyemiju and Kunmi Damuren, Founding Partner of Greenhouse Capital and Venture Garden Group
Agriculture remains the backbone of many African economies, contributing significantly to GDP and employing a large portion of the population. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including diminishing agricultural land, climate change impacts, and a rapidly growing population. According to the World Bank, agriculture accounts for about 32% of East Africa’s GDP and employs over 70% of the labor force. Despite its importance, the sector has struggled to attract young people, leading to concerns about sustainability and food security.
According to the African Development Bank, the youth bulge in Africa presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the agricultural sector. With over 60% of the population under the age of 25, there is immense potential to harness the energy, creativity, and innovation of young people to drive agricultural transformation. However, the attraction of urbanization and non-agricultural employment opportunities has led to a significant decline in youth engagement in farming activities. The fusion of agriculture with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proving to be the catalyst for transformation, unlocking untapped potential of the youths and bringing innovation to the forefront.
The integration of ICT and AI into agriculture not only attracts the youth but also contributes to increased productivity and job creation. Automation, facilitated by AI-powered machinery, reduces the labor burden on farmers and enhances overall efficiency. This paves the way for young entrepreneurs to venture into agribusiness, from developing agricultural apps to providing technical support for smart farming equipment.
A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture could create over 4 million jobs in Africa by 2030. This amalgamation of youth engagement, technological innovation, and increased productivity creates a powerful synergy, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for African agriculture.
One notable example of a young persons with passion for agriculture is Kunmi Demuren and Bunmi Akinyemiju, Founding Partners of Greenhouse Capital and Venture Garden Group with offices in Nigeria, Kenya, United States of America and United Arab Emirates. For a decade, Bunmi and Kunmi delved into the world of venture building, followed by five years of venture capital experience. Despite their efforts, finding companies capable of absorbing their $20 million investment proved challenging. Faced with this dilemma, they made a pivotal decision—to depart from their successful venture capital careers and transition into the realm of agriculture, aligning with Bunmi’s vision of cultivating ‘Local Champions.’ Their goal was to not only create jobs but also nurture companies that could thrive across the agricultural value chain.
“In our new venture, we set our sights on establishing a startup farm with the potential to generate significant impact and growth opportunities. With 40,000 hectares of land at our disposal, we envision creating 7,000 jobs, transforming not only the landscapes but also the communities where we operate. Our mission is not merely about cultivation; it is about fostering sustainable development and leaving a lasting legacy in the areas we touched,” said Kunmi.
He further added that each challenge they encountered on the farm presented an opportunity for innovation, leading to the birth of new companies addressing specific needs. As these companies flourish, they, in turn, create more jobs, further fueling economic growth within the communities where they operated. “Through this integrated approach, we aim not only to build successful agricultural enterprises but also to foster a ripple effect of positive change across the entire ecosystem,” he stated.
Involving young people in agriculture is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the continuity of farming practices and knowledge transfer from older generations to the youth. Secondly, it promotes innovation and the adoption of modern agricultural techniques, which are essential for increasing productivity and resilience to climate change. Lastly, youth involvement in agriculture can contribute to poverty reduction and economic development by creating employment opportunities and stimulating rural economies.
