Africa’s Youth and Women Key to Achieving Net-Zero Agriculture, Say Experts
As climate change intensifies across the globe, Africa finds itself at a critical crossroads—tasked with transforming its agriculture sector to achieve net-zero emissions while safeguarding food security. A new commentary published in the Sustainability Science journal highlights that Africa’s youthful population and gender-responsive strategies hold the key to driving this transformation.
The continent’s agriculture, which employs 65% of its workforce and contributes nearly one-third of its GDP, is facing multiple climate-related threats, including erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and resource-based conflicts. Despite this, experts argue that Africa can leverage its growing renewable energy sector, vast arable land, and dynamic youth to lead a global shift in climate-smart agriculture.
“The road to net-zero agriculture is not without obstacles,” said Dr. Theo Akpensuen of Rothamsted Research, one of the paper’s authors. “Insufficient data, weak policy enforcement, financial constraints, and low awareness levels are slowing progress. Yet, we also have the assets—especially our youth and women—to turn the tide.”
According to the report, traditional farming practices, high technology costs, and poor infrastructure have stifled the adoption of modern techniques such as precision farming and advanced irrigation systems. To overcome these barriers, the authors urge African governments and partners to invest in education and training, particularly for young farmers eager to embrace agroforestry, organic farming, and conservation tillage.
“Africa’s young generation is ready to farm differently,” Dr. Akpensuen said. “They just need access to the right tools, knowledge, and support.”
The authors also call for gender-inclusive policies that empower women, who make up a large share of the continent’s agricultural labor force. Giving them equal access to decision-making, resources, and climate-resilient technologies will be vital in reducing emissions and boosting productivity.
Early warning systems, sustainable livelihood programs, and climate-resilient crops are among the solutions proposed to address climate-induced migration and regional vulnerabilities. With coordinated policy reforms and increased climate financing, experts say Africa’s agriculture sector could become a model of sustainability.
“By integrating social inclusion, technology, and environmental stewardship, Africa has the opportunity to lead a global transformation in agriculture,” Dr. Akpensuen concluded.
