By Thérèse Burke & Ken Lohento

Agriculture in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) faces many challenges. Most of these developing economies are heavily reliant on this sector for food security and economic growth. Agriculture accounts for over 50 percent GDP in some countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. This coupled with the high percentage of population (up to 60 percent in Africa) living off the land, means that the need to secure the continued interest of youth in agriculture is imperative.

However, global attention is now turning to agricultural and rural development as a result of the 2007-2008 food price crisis. Despite this, it is still not perceived as an attractive industry for the younger population.

In societies where people have to travel several miles to get access to bank services and information, relatively inexpensive Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are being increasingly exploited by rural youths in Kenya to fill these gaps and support their economic and social life. Using these ICTs, the youths are able to access real time price information, find help from farm professionals and connect to other young farmers in the region.

By Chris Mwangi from Kenya: East African Regional Winner of the CTA ARDYIS Essay contest

Currently, Kenya has four active mobile operators. The technology is the prime mode of communication in the country. Since its introduction, the industry has picked up quickly and remarkably, covering most of the geographical areas of the country and has contributed greatly to local peoples’ livelihoods.