PRESENT STATE

• In Africa, rural dwellers  make  up approximately two-thirds of the population. More than half are children and youth. Current estimates indicate that the youth (age 15 to 24)  comprise 20% of the rural population. If 10 to 14 year olds are categorized as youth, this percentage increases to 32% . If properly harnessed, the youth represent a huge resource to their countries.
• Research shows that the youth of Africa have a negative perception towards Agriculture.

ACTION PLAN

• Africa 2.0 will contribute in the development and roll out of an Agribusiness Curricula across African Business Schools. This will be done in collaboration with The Association of African Business Schools (AABS), the University of Lagos and local businesses in the Agro processing industry. The aim is to merge agriculture and business as a discipline.
• Africa 2.0 in collaboration with AGRA will be providing scholarships to selected youths from rural areas in agribusiness.

AIM

• Make agriculture more appealing to the youth, and familiarising them with Agriculture
• Disseminate the necessary skills that will help transform the Continent into a Global Food Basket and groom Agro Entrepreneurs.
• Set up agriculture and business as a combined discipline.

THE VISION SEEKS TO –

• Change the negative perception by making agriculture more attractive.
• Include  the youth in the development of  sustainable agriculture in Africa.
• Nurture young and emerging Managers so that they can run viable and productive Agribusinesses on the continent.
• Encourage the consumption of locally grown food produce.

The creation of a growth enabling environment constitutes one of the 4 fundamental axis of the vision Africa 2.0 manifesto. Ensuring food security, thereby turning Africa into a global food basket is seen as critical in enabling an environment fertile for growth.

The pivotal role assigned to Food Security is based on the premise that –

• Agriculture employs 65% of Africa’s labour force and accounts 32% of GDP
• 70% increase in global food production will be needed by 2050.
• Young people face particular constraints in gaining access to land, credit, training and new technologies.
• Young Africans are leaving rural areas apace because they can no longer make a living from farming.
• GDP growth from agriculture is more effective in reducing poverty as opposed to non-agricultural GDP growth.

HOW WILL THIS BE IMPLEMENTED?

• Africa 2.0 will mobilize a task force of experts in the field ,leverage key community members through its  chapters in order to structure and spread the concept across the continent.
• Africa 2.0 will ensure that the Agribusiness Curriculum is a full component in tertiary education as Africa lacks this type of Leadership.