In Chapter 1, the key environmental challenges for young people were discussed under three themes: the food, energy and waste systems. In Chapter 3 again, we looked at these themes and how these environmental challenges can be tackled with individual actions. In this section we will look at these themes again, but with a focus on how these environmental challenges can become opportunities.
Food: even simple solutions can lead to big impacts
“The agricultural labour force is ageing globally, yet rural youth unemployment is also a growing concern... Agriculture is a growing sector in need of talent. It is key to addressing the world’s biggest challenges. And it is a sector full of innovation and
opportunity.” Farming First 2013
“ Farming has an image problem in large parts of Africa. For many people there, it’s synonymous with poverty. So, it’s hardly surprising parents don’t want their children to end up working the land. Things may be starting to change, though. A growing number of African millennials are working to dispel the notion that all educated young people should aspire to professional desk jobs. The understanding that agriculture is key to the continent’s long-term