Empowering the Youth to Shape the Future of Agriculture
Introduction
In recent years, Malawi has experienced a remarkable shift in its agricultural sector, driven by a dynamic force—its youth. Through strategic engagement and tireless advocacy, young people have played a pivotal role in shaping the National Agricultural Policy, setting a powerful precedent for youth participation in national development. This success story highlights how youth policy convenings have not only influenced agricultural policies but have also sparked transformative change, empowering young farmers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to lead the way towards a more resilient and inclusive agricultural landscape.
The Genesis of Youth Policy Convenings
Recognising the untapped potential of Malawi’s youth, AGRA, with support from the Mastercard Foundation, partnered with the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) to launch the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) initiative. The program aims to revolutionize Malawi’s agri-food system by fostering a competitive agro-processing industry, enhancing farmer productivity, and creating dignified employment opportunities for young people and vulnerable populations.
Given that agriculture contributes over 30% of Malawi’s GDP and employs more than 80% of the population, ensuring youth engagement in agricultural policy was essential. NYCOM spearheaded efforts to create a youth-friendly ecosystem, mobilizing young people to participate in policy dialogues and equipping them with entrepreneurial and advocacy skills. This initiative ignited a movement that would forever change Malawi’s agricultural narrative.
Building a Platform for Youth Voices
To create meaningful impact, AGRA and NYCOM facilitated a nationwide mobilization effort, bringing together over 917 young people from districts including Zomba, Machinga, Balaka, Mangochi, Dedza, Ntcheu, Lilongwe, Dowa, Ntchisi, Kasungu, Mchinji, Nkhotakota, and Salima. Through structured workshops, seminars, and high-level policy dialogues, youth engaged directly with policymakers, including Ministers of Agriculture, Youth, and Finance. These convenings culminated in a groundbreaking National Youth Summit, where pressing issues were tabled, debated, and ultimately integrated into the National Agricultural Policy, launched in December 2024.
Impact on National Agricultural Policy
The persistent and well-organized advocacy of young people through these policy convenings has yielded tangible results, influencing multiple aspects of Malawi’s National Agricultural Policy. Some of the key milestones include:
1. Youth Inclusion in Budget Planning
For the first time in Malawi’s history, NYCOM was invited to participate in Pre-Budget consultations for the 2025-2026 National Budget, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for young people to advocate for a youth-sensitive budget. Hosted by Hon. Simplex Chithyola Banda, Minister of Finance & Economic Affairs, this engagement allows youth to shape fiscal policies that directly impact their future in agriculture.
2. Strengthened Government Commitment to Youth Economic Empowerment
The Parliamentary Committee on Social and Community Affairs has pledged to increase budget allocations for NYCOM, a significant endorsement of its impact. Announced by Chairperson Hon. Savel Kafwafwa MP, this commitment followed a visit to Sanga Youth Club in Nkhatabay, where committee members witnessed firsthand the transformative power of youth-led agricultural initiatives.
Speaking at the event, NYCOM Executive Director Rex Chapota expressed optimism, stating:
“Today’s commitment from Parliament is a resounding endorsement of NYCOM’s vision and a call to action for all stakeholders to support the empowerment of Malawian youth.”
3. Increased Youth Representation in Policy-Making Bodies
Through these convenings, young people now hold seats on advisory councils and policy committees, ensuring their voices are permanently embedded in Malawi’s agricultural decision-making processes. This historic inclusion fosters policies that reflect the aspirations and challenges of the younger generation.
4. A Focus on Innovation and Technology
Youth advocacy has driven the integration of modern agricultural practices into the National Agricultural Policy. Innovations such as digital farming, precision agriculture, and climate-smart techniques are now prioritized, enhancing productivity and making farming more attractive to young entrepreneurs.
5. Support for Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship
Recognizing the role of agribusiness in transforming the sector, the government has allocated USD 60,000 to NYCOM to support 18 youth cooperatives across Malawi. This funding provides young entrepreneurs with access to finance, training, and mentorship, fostering a new generation of agripreneurs.
6. Advancing Gender Inclusion and Equity
The youth convenings have also championed gender-inclusive agricultural policies, advocating for equal opportunities for young women in agriculture. New policy measures now ensure improved access to land, credit, and extension services for female farmers, breaking long-standing barriers and promoting gender equity in the sector.
7. Strengthening Climate Resilience and Sustainability
With agriculture highly vulnerable to climate change, young leaders emphasized the urgency of climate adaptation strategies. As a result, the National Agricultural Policy now prioritizes sustainable land management, reforestation, and conservation agriculture, ensuring long-term food security for Malawi.
Conclusion
The success of youth policy convenings in shaping Malawi’s National Agricultural Policy is a testament to the power of youth engagement and advocacy. By establishing platforms for dialogue, these initiatives have driven critical policy reforms, championed innovation, empowered young entrepreneurs, and reinforced sustainability measures.
As Malawi continues to build upon these achievements, the active involvement of young people will remain the cornerstone of agricultural transformation and national progress. With unwavering commitment, Malawi’s youth have proven that they are not just the future of agriculture—they are its present and driving force.
