As we stand today, nearly half the world’s population—those under 30 years old—have the power to transform our global food systems to better serve our people and planet. In sub-Saharan Africa, where over 60% of the population is under 25 and youth make up 20% of the agricultural workforce, their active involvement is essential for driving systemic change.
We simply cannot continue to consume, produce, and transport food the way we do now. From the rapid degradation of our soils and forests to the undermining of global public health, our expanding global population will not be sustained with current food systems and the earth’s limited resources. As problems compound, they pose significant challenges, threatening the stability of ecosystems and communities worldwide.
The Sustainable Development Goals, many of which are directly tied to food systems, are currently out of reach. Only by transforming our food systems will we meet the Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and more.
We need to place young people, especially from rural communities, at the center of this transformation. To ensure a sustainable future, we must support youth-led innovation in urgently reforming our food systems by reducing waste, promoting sustainable farming, and shifting toward more plant-based diets.
At The Hunger Project, we see young people taking action to transform our food systems. Women in Oaxaca, Mexico, are reimagining food and nutrition guidelines to align with their traditional diets. Young entrepreneurs in Ethiopia, Malawi and Senegal are producing healthy indigenous grains such as teff and fonio, grown in harmony with the earth, close to their communities. Young mothers in Bangladesh exchange farming practices to grow leafy greens and ensure their children are well nourished.
Our planet and people cannot continue with current practices in food and farming. It’s time to elevate the young innovators and entrepreneurs—especially those living in poverty—to create a world without hunger. Take action now to protect vital ecosystems, conserve resources and ensure food security for future generations.
