How rural youth are redefining agriculture in Africa

Accessing employment opportunities in rural areas is still a persistent challenge for millions of young people around the world. While agriculture has traditionally offered work, it can often be seen as an unstable or unappealing career path, especially for youth facing limited access to training, resources, and markets. But what if the agricultural sector could be reimagined as a space of innovation, leadership, and opportunity for the next generation?

In this episode of the ILO’s Future of Work podcast, we meet Clara Kamlomo, a young agricultural entrepreneur from Malawi and a beneficiary of the ILO’s ProAgro YOUTH project. After receiving training and support, Clara launched a thriving agribusiness, becoming not just a farmer, but an employer and mentor to others in her community. She’s joined by Chiara Curcio, a youth employment expert at the International Labour Organization, who explores how the ProAgro YOUTH project is helping more young people unlock opportunities in agriculture. Together, they discuss what it takes to empower rural youth to lead the sector into the future.