During the 7th Africa-Wide Agricultural Extension Week, different stakeholders from across the continent renewed a call to make agriculture attractive to women and the youths, who are considered as the next generation burden bearers of African food systems transformation.
Citing existing data, the average age of African farmers is commonly around 60 years old, though the figure could vary depending on the specific country and study in question.
The agribusiness development catalyst and Moja Academy representative at the Extension Week, Chifunro Kandaya, noted that this is quite intriguing but factual on the other side of the coin, thus calling for a change.
“We ought to make agriculture cool to attract youth to agriculture. It is intriguing to fathom the fact that the average age of an African farmer is 60. This is not good for the future of African Agriculture, where the burden of feeding the continent is on the shoulders of an aged population,” said Kandaya.
Major studies reveal that most youths are discouraged into agriculture by socio-economic barriers that underpin their participation in the sector. Kandaya noted that it is high time youths were brought on board through youth-centric agricultural innovations.
Meanwhile, the outgoing African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) Executive Director, Dr. Silim Nahdy, underscored the significance of the Extension Week to key players and the countries from which they come.
“Beyond thematic debates, the Extension Week is a unique avenue for sharing experiences and learning between professionals from diverse backgrounds, strengthening interactions with policymakers and investors and developing fruitful partnerships,” he noted.
Malawi’s Principal Secretary for Irrigation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Geoffrey Mamba said the Malawi government appreciates the role of extension workers towards the development of the country’s agriculture sector.
Significance of Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS)
Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) provide farmers with access to knowledge, information, and technologies, as well as facilitate interaction with research, education, and agribusiness.
The sector, often placed directly under the stewardship of governments, is critical in helping boost livelihoods by helping farmers increase farm income, improve household food security, and build their technical, organizational, and management skills.
It is key in helping farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change by providing information on sustainable production practices and technologies, facilitating access to new technologies, information, and best practices to improve agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.
AEAS also aids in empowering farmers by facilitating their access to markets, financial services, and other resources; training and capacity building for extension workers to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to effectively provide AEAS to farmers; as well as introducing digital tools and applications thereby opening up the potential to reach more farmers and provide more personalized support.
During the Extension week, the AFAAS General Assembly ratified the appointment of Dr. Lilian Lihasi as the new Executive Director, AFAAS. She takes over the position with effect from 1st June, 2025 after Dr. Silim Nahdy hands over.
Dr. Lihasi was appointed by the AFAAS Board of Directors on 7th March, 2025 as designate pending the ratification. She becomes the 2nd Executive Director of AFAAS and brings on board a proven history in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development given her vast experience spanning 30 years in agricultural extension, research, and policy.