Global Perspectives on Youth Engagement in Agrifood Systems: the Central Role of Data and Innovation

Despite a declining trend in youth employment within agrifood systems, these sectors remain the largest employer of young people in the global South. To address this paradox, 30 youth leaders, including farmers, journalists, researchers, and activists, from diverse global regions collaborated in a workshop using fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM). The workshop identified key drivers of youth disinterest in agriculture, proposed actionable solutions, and analyzed the systemic consequences of this disengagement. Given the diverse realities of agrifood systems around the world, a wide range of factors were identified, which were later condensed into 11 global categories for the assessment of interconnections and their systemic influence. Among the findings, the lack of access to reliable data emerged as the most central barrier, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions. Scenario analyses also revealed that data availability and innovation are pivotal leverage points for reshaping agricultural opportunities and addressing systemic barriers for young people. This preliminary study consolidates global perspectives on the declining interest of young people in the agrifood sector and provides actionable pathways for stakeholders to redefine agriculture as a compelling career opportunity, ensuring the sector's future sustainability and resilience.