Climate change is intensifying rural poverty and food insecurity, driving people away from farming communities and changing their way of life.
So what can we do about it?
Young people are often more willing to adopt new practices and take risks. They can act as a bridge between traditional farming techniques and new technologies, helping to shift food and agriculture systems towards ones that are more sustainable and ready to beat climate change.
For this to happen, FAO believes strongly that innovation is key. Young people’s enthusiasm for new technology and interest in trying innovative approaches to traditional farming has real potential for change. It signifies a modern approach that will create decent employment opportunities in agribusiness, while making rural areas more resilient to climate change. This new era is an opportunity for youth to pour their energy and enthusiasm into transforming the way we grow food and protect our environment.
Here are just three places in which FAO initiatives are helping young people to do just that.
Promoting youth entrepreneurship in Guatemala
The impacts of climate change in Guatemala include more frequent and heavier rains, violent storms and prolonged drought, all of which pose serious threats to the country’s agriculture sector.
FAO developed the Integrated Country Approach (ICA) programme in order to boost rural employment in Guatemala and to promote entrepreneurial opportunities. The most successful initiatives from the project were ChispaRural.gt, a digital platform to connect young people, and business laboratory, La Factoria.
A virtual platform accessible online via web and mobile phone, ChispaRural.gt is a pilot service designed and launched by the ICA programme. Rural youth can use it to access up-to-date information on sustainable agriculture and employment in rural areas. Information provided through the platform includes details on training and funding opportunities offered by different organizations and practical tools as well as success stories from young agricultural entrepreneurs in their community.
La Factoria initiative, in partnership with the local NGO Grupo Enlace, provided a 3-month training course on entrepreneurial skills and local development to 75 young people. This training helped them access local markets, build alliances and formulate financially viable project proposals. All the projects focused on crop and livestock production and promoted integrated farming systems as well as climate-smart practices.