‘‘Transformation in economics refers to a long-term change in dominant economic activity in terms of prevailing relative engagement or employment of able individuals’’. By 2050 sub-saharan Africa will have a larger and younger workforce than China and India. With the continents abundant land and natural resources, that workforce can be a global competitive advantage, and a great asset in driving economic transformation.

Agricultural transformation has been proven to be a pillar of economic transformation. This however starts with higher production and productivity implying surplus for trade as raw material or finished products.

I attended the Agricultural Experts Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Africa’s Agriculture Transformation organised by ACET in Kigali as an agricultural professional, an agricultural entrepreneur running my own extension and information platform, a youth in agriculture advocate, and a mentee with YPARD. Particular discussions were held on creating the educated modern farmer and filling the missing middle. i.e. strengthening extension for existing farmers, engaging youth in agriculture, remove barriers for women to have equal access to resources.
Youth in RAS are key players in agricultural transformation in production and productivity. 
Opportunity lies in a youthful, vibrant skilled population, hungry for money. Agri-preneurship can be harnessed ensuring these youth secure their future and helping to achieve SDGs 1,2,7,8,12,13,14,15 and 17. 

by Emily Ongus, Kenya