Yesterday marked the completion of my thesis work for the MSc. CCAFS. My paper is entitled “The contribution of rural youth to climate issues in agriculture and their engagement in climate policy”. I had the chance to work in collaboration with a CIAT researcher and the Master’s professors to produce this work.
Initially planned with Latin America and the Caribbean as the research field, it turned out that the lack of data was too important to make a relevant literature review. We therefore extended the scope to developing countries. For this purpose, 20 articles were selected, written between 2012 and 2021. This selection highlighted this theme as being rooted in the scientific research of recent years, with a particular upsurge since 2016.
The findings of the structured review allowed to discuss three aspects of the contribution of youth in climate issue in agriculture and their integration in climate strategy and policy:
(1) the high potential and interesting competences of youth in sustainable agriculture and climate policies,
(2) the lack of attractiveness of the agricultural world for young people,
(3) the lack of consideration of young people in the implementation of climate and agricultural policies, at all levels.
The contribution of young people to climate issues in agriculture and their integration in climate strategy and policy is of great importance in the face of the global challenges of food security and climate change. By accompanying them and giving them the space to voice their opinions that they will be able to fully express their potential and act to improve the responses to climate issues in agriculture.
And now? A page is turned and it’s time for new professional adventures where I will build on the skills acquired during this research work, and throughout the MSc!