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Tag: Africa Harvest

  • Action needed to stem youth bad eating habits for a healthy future

    Action needed to stem youth bad eating habits for a healthy future

    In a demographic pattern that is uniform across Africa and other developing regions of the world, Kenya’s population constitutes over 70 per cent of young people, below the age of 35, according to the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD).

    The youth population bulge has already exhibited lifestyle trends and behaviours that ignore traditional social norms.

    Everything, from living life on social media platforms, fashion choices, faking fast personal success, low moral standards to dietary habits and more, have become the hallmarks that define the so-called Generation Z (GenZs) across the world.

    Some habits, however popular among the GenZs, may end up harming their health in ways that become of great concern globally. One such habit by young people is the high rate of consumption of fast foods, which is seen as part of their trend of living on the fast lane.

    Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights that young adults’ high rate of consumption of what is referred to as junk food is made easier and more frequent by digital Apps that facilitate home and office delivery.

    A study published in Health Psychology suggests that “adolescents and young adults may underestimate the long-term health impacts of poor dietary habits, leading to less concern about their nutrition Recognising the critical role of youth in food systems, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition emphasises that adolescents are at a vital stage of growth and development, and their nutritional needs are unique, but disorderly eating habits can have lasting effects on their health and well-being.

    To address these challenges, governments, non-governmental organisations and policymakers must create environments that support healthy eating, ensure food security and promote youth engagement and employment in the food system.

    Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation

    One outstanding example in Kenya, the Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International (Africa Harvest), has been spearheading a project called Drought-Tolerant Crops  (“DTCs) 4 Youth Jobs Creation”.

    The initiative aims to integrate youth into a researched food-growing system that generates healthy nutrition for arid rural areas and enables stakeholders to earn cash.

    Over 120,000 young people in rural Kenya have been engaged through the commercialisation of DTCs technologies.

    The project operates across 10 counties: Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, Taita Taveta, Elgeyo Marakwet, Siaya, Busia, Meru and Homabay. It focuses on eight value chains, including sorghum, finger millet, pearl millet, green grams, pigeon peas, groundnuts, poultry and fish, which have been enhanced to achieve high yields in dry regions.

    Each of these is proven to be nutrient-dense, contributing to food security and improved nutritional outcomes in the country. They also offer opportunities for value-added products, such as sorghum cakes, sorghum pops, blended flours, breakfast cereal, and more bougie options like sprout ragi (finger millet sprouts).

    Sorghum cakes and sorghum pops have emerged as popular alternatives, offering better nutritional value compared to wheat-based products. Sorghum flour, which is naturally gluten-free, is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, making it a healthier option. Promoting these products to young people can help satisfy their cravings while providing significant nutritional benefits.

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommends that governments and institutions promote healthier food choices among the youth through mass media, public awareness campaigns, and nutrition education in schools. Community-based interventions and point-of-sale information, including clear and consistent food labelling, can further support this effort.

    Governments can also play a crucial role by offering subsidies or financial incentives for nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, making them more accessible. Investing in local agriculture to enhance the availability of diverse, nutritious foods is another sustainable approach, supporting farmers with resources, training and technology to grow and distribute healthy crops effectively.

    By fostering a culture of awareness, making healthy foods more accessible and integrating youth into the food system through innovative programmes, eating habits of the youth can gradually be changed to support a healthier future.

    The Writer is the Multimedia Officer, Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International

  • Engage youth in modern agriculture to boost food security, Africa Harvest urges

    Engage youth in modern agriculture to boost food security, Africa Harvest urges

    Engaging the youth in modern agriculture using the latest agri-technology and digital marketing will boost Kenya’s efforts to become food-secure and create self-employment among the young, according to biotechnology organisation Africa Harvest.

    Speaking on KBC Biz Check, Kennedy Oyugi, an agricultural economist with Africa Harvest, said the myth that Kenya’s agriculture is a preserve of older people should be cracked by engaging the youth in the latest agricultural methods that will create profitable self-employment ventures.

    Oyugi noted the future of food security in Kenya is no longer guaranteed by vast tracts of farming land since agricultural land has been shrinking due to competition from real estate development.

    He said the youth, majority of who are educated, should be tapped into using modern technology and digital skills to produce more even with reduced land sizes.

    “Land size is shrinking, so we need to appropriate agri maximisation to achieve more food with less land. For example, one acre of land put under modern technology can produce more than 10 acres under traditional farming methods,” said Mr Oyugi.

    He said young farmers under Africa Harvest projects spread out across 10 counties are taught digital technology where they are able to aggregate demands using digital platforms that enhance their marketing and profits.

    “Young farmers under our programmes are taught value addition, marketing and negotiation skills, giving them an advantage in the market,” he said.

    Oyugi said government extension officers should be used maximally to train farmers on the ground value chains that can improve their profits.

    He said Agriculture has the highest potential to spur economic development through industrial growth.

    He cited an example of agricultural innovation by the youth, noting that value addition in crops like sorghum had taught young people in Western Kenya to produce novel products like sorghum cake.

    He called on the government to team up with stakeholders in agriculture to maximise engaging the youth in the latest agricultural technologies.

    Watch the interview

  • International Youth Day marked amid opportunity demands for young people

    International Youth Day marked amid opportunity demands for young people

    Since the United Nations launched the International Youth Day in 1998, this year’s event, marked last Monday, may have surpassed previous ones with its significance.

    The International Youth Day, marked on Monday (August 12), was flagged by the UN as an event to elevate youth issues within the international community.

    However, this year, the day took on a whole revamped identity as it came amid a global awakening by youth to exercise their potential in the world society.

    Not just in Kenya alone, but in many parts of the world, the so-called Gen Z shone the spotlight on the international event they demanded among other rights, good governance and employment.

    Deedy Ngugi is attached to Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation Internationa

    International Youth Day 2024 was themed, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”.  Singling out Kenya, the theme tallied with the demand for youth empowerment that has taken centre stage.

    To put the theme into clear perspective, one of the ways to benefit the youth is a strong emphasis on digital empowerment among Kenya’s youth demographic.

    According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, 75 per cent of Kenya’s population of 47.6 million is under 35 years.

    Kenya ICT Action Network’s (KICTANet) data from January 2023 indicates that Kenya had 17.86 million internet users, with an internet penetration of 32.7 per cent.

    Against this background, the digital superhighway can be cited alongside other efforts that bear strong opportunities for enabling the youth in self-employment.

    Social media users amounted to 10.55 million, which is 19.3 per cent of the total population. Furthermore, 10.15 million social media users are 18 years and above, making up 33.6 per cent of the population.

    This shows widespread access to online resources and opportunities. In addition, mobile phone usage is prevalent among Kenya’s youth, with 69 per cent relying on mobile devices for communication and information access.

    With so many young people with access to the internet and social media, there lies a huge potential to harness digital pathways for sustainable development.

    DTC 4 Youth Job Creation Project

    One project has been singled out for international acclaim as an example of how the youth in rural Kenya can be empowered in the digital age to self-employ. The DTC 4 Youth Job Creation Project aims to secure dignified and fulfilling work for 120,000 young people in rural Kenya over a five-year period.

    The project, implemented by Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International — lead partner, in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, covers various semi-arid regions, including Taita Taveta, Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Homa Bay, Siaya, Busia, and Elgeyo Marakwet.

    This project focuses on eight value chains: sorghum, finger millet, pearl millet, green grams, pigeon peas, groundnuts, poultry, and fish. It aims to achieve high yields in dry regions. These resilient seeds are specifically designed to withstand climate challenges and decrease weather-related risks, thus making agriculture more attractive to young farmers.

    Tech has revolutionised the way we do agriculture. Digital platforms that support digital learning, information sharing and feedback mechanism via USSD and interactive SMS have since changed the way we do agriculture.

    And as such we see digital jobs opening up in the agricultural sector. The DTC 4 Youth Job Creation Project, which aims to secure dignified and fulfilling work for 120,000 young people uses digital technology at many junctures to empower the stakeholders.

    To reach more than 120,000 youth, the project is utilising the ODK Collect platform to onboard young farmers through the Training of Trainers (ToTs) model who will be trained on various aspects of agriculture from seed production and good agricultural practices to enterprise development, mechanisation, value addition, and marketing. The platform captures data and interventions provided for young farmers.

    Additionally, the introduction of an e-commerce platform, which is still in its initial stage of development will create further job opportunities within the project. The platform will allow farmers to sell their products by simply taking a photo, while a facilitator—labelled “Matchmaker”—connects the seller with the buyer. Through this intermediary role, another job is created as a delivery person ensures the product reaches its destination, all facilitated by digital platforms.

    The fusion of digital solutions with agriculture through initiatives like the DTC 4 Youth Job Creation Project showcases the immense potential for technology to drive sustainable development. By leveraging Mobile Apps to enhance farmer outreach and streamline processes, the project not only empowers rural youth but also stimulates economic growth.

    The innovative use of e-commerce platforms will not only facilitate sales but also create employment opportunities, illustrating the digital pathways in advancing both the agricultural sector and youth employment prospects in Kenya.

    Such initiatives spell hope for youth worldwide and give the International Youth Day renewed impetus.

    The writer is a Computer Science Student at Daystar University, attached to Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International