« Youth finding solutions to challenges in agriculture and rural development using ICTs! »

This was the main theme of essay contest launched within the framework of the ARDYIS (Agriculture, Rural Development and Youth in the Information Society) project implemented by CTA (Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU), in collaboration with various partners (FARA, Yam-Pukri, ANAFE, CAFAN, AYF, PAFPnet/SPC). About 180 youth (35% of women) from 33 ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) submitted their analysis and proposals. Participants are students enrolled in communication, economics, data computing, agricultural or other studies, young farmers, young professionals in various sectors.

The finals (oral presentations) of the CTA ARDYIS Essay Contest as well as the prize giving ceremony will be held during the CTA Week 2010 events in Pretoria, South Africa.

An increasing number of young people need employment, yet there are limited openings in the formal employment sector. If more young people can be supported to develop agricultural enterprises and view agriculture as a viable career option, then issues of youth unemployment, food security, and rural-urban drift can be addressed.

The Youth in Agriculture Strategy gives young people a greater voice in decision-making processes related to agriculture. The strategy is the result of a call made in 2008 by Ministers of Agriculture to explore ways in which young people could be supported to take up careers in agriculture. The strategy was endorsed at the 4th regional meeting of the Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services (HOAFS) in 2010.