Youth in Agriculture Ecosystem Development Framework (Y-EDF), Senegal

• Jul 29, 2025
• 2 min

Youth across Africa face persistent challenges in entering the agricultural sector due to structural barriers such as limited access to finance, land, training, and inputs, as well as outdated perceptions of agriculture as an unattractive livelihood option. In response, AGRA engaged MSC to develop the Youth in Agriculture Ecosystem Development Framework (Y-EDF) across Malawi, Rwanda, and Ghana. The goal was to transform agriculture into a viable and appealing employment pathway for young people through ecosystem-wide support and inclusive market access.

MSC provided end-to-end support for the design and implementation of the Y-EDF. Drawing on its deep expertise in youth development and agriculture, MSC mapped key ecosystem actors to assess engagement gaps and identified high-potential value chains for job creation. The team facilitated extensive consultations with over 200 youth and more than 60 stakeholders through FGDs and KIIs to ensure the framework was youth-informed and contextually grounded. MSC also developed three guiding reports—Country Opportunity, Youth Opportunity, and Ecosystem Mapping—and designed a five-year investment plan (2025–2029) to align resources, track progress, and mobilize funding for youth-led agricultural initiatives. To drive implementation, MSC facilitated country-level validation workshops, prepared policy briefs, and supported AGRA in stakeholder alignment and advocacy. The Y-EDF provides a roadmap for inclusive, youth-centric ecosystem building, offering AGRA and its partners an adaptable model for replicating this approach across other African nations.

The framework resulted in country-specific opportunity roadmaps and an actionable investment strategy to support youth employment in agriculture. It also contributed to stronger stakeholder coordination and cross-sector collaboration. AGRA is now integrating the framework into its wider programming, with the Y-EDF serving as a strategic tool to position agriculture as a viable livelihood for young people.

AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) commissioned the project.