FAO Report on Youth in Agrifood Systems: NEET and GDP Gains
Why in the news
The FAO released “Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems”, urging global action to bring young people into agriculture and food systems.
Key facts
- GDP gain: 1.4% (about $1.5 trillion) if NEET youth, especially aged 20-24, are engaged; nearly 45% of it lies in agrifood systems.
- NEET: over 20% of those aged 15-24; young women twice as likely as young men.
- Urbanisation: 54% of youth live in urban areas; only 5% of rural youth work in industrial agrifood systems.
- Climate stress: 395 million rural youth live in regions with falling farm productivity.
| Indicator | Earlier | Latest |
|---|---|---|
| Youth working in agrifood systems | 54% (2005) | 44% |
| Youth food insecurity (moderate or severe) | 16.7% (2014) | 24.4% (2023) |
FAO’s three pillars
- Inquire More: close data gaps and build evidence for youth-responsive policy.
- Include More: youth voice in governance, rural and urban alike.
- Invest More: decent jobs, modern infrastructure and digital tools, access to land, credit, training, markets, and safe migration.
Exam angle
- NEET = Not in Employment, Education or Training.
- Strategy: Inquire, Include, Invest.