Current demographic trends highlight the urgent need to address youth access to land, with both land fragmentation and migration increasingly affecting rural youth across regions. According to the 2018 World Youth Report by the United Nations, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 globally, making up 16% of the total population. Projections suggest this figure will reach 1.5 billion by 2035, with the most significant growth in sub-Saharan Africa (26%) and South-East Asia (20%). Notably, 55% of these young individuals reside in rural areas, with 13% facing unemployment. Sub-Saharan Africa boasts the largest proportion of young people globally, with over 70% of the region’s population under the age of 30. Furthermore, the number of young people is expected to increase by 7% by 2030, the target year for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Between 2012 and 2022, a new report reveals that at least 1,910 individuals advocating for environmental protection were killed worldwide, with the majority being youth. In 2022 alone, 177 environmental activists were murdered, averaging to roughly one every other day, as reported by Global Witness, a U.K.-based watchdog group.

The proposed conference plays a crucial role in addressing the pressing issue of youth land rights in Africa, recognizing traditional authorities as land custodians and considering the complexities posed by large-scale land-based investments. As the African youth demographic grapples with these challenges, fostering meaningful discussions between youth and traditional authorities is imperative to safeguard their land access and rights. This not only empowers the youth but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future.

In recent years, there has also been a resurgence of interest in the agricultural sector, through the recognition of its central role in poverty and hunger reduction strategies worldwide. It is in this context that several international organizations, notably the FAO, are working accordingly to promote the agricultural sector in Africa and around the world. With the motto « By 2030, eliminate hunger and ensure that everyone, especially the poor and vulnerable, including infants, has access to healthy, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round, » the FAO has supported policies and improved governance of the agricultural sector and natural resources, strengthened capacities for climate change adaptation, enhanced the diversification of production systems, improved the productivity and quality of agricultural products. It has also supported actions related to the food security of African countries, strengthened the capacities of countries in the planning and management processes of the agricultural sector, etc. The World Food Programme (WFP) is also an international organization that works for agriculture in African countries. As part of its actions, it helps to increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods to develop sustainable food systems, promote food security, and achieve Zero Hunger. Through its Purchase for Progress (P4P) and Farm to Market programs, it contributes to diversifying the crops of smallholder farmers from markets and expanding their commercial prospects.

These are commendable initiatives undertaken by these Organizations but still subject to the adverse effects of climate change. Therefore, to reaffirm its commitment to vulnerable groups such as youth and women, Yilaa has initiated the International Conference on Youth Land Governance in Africa (CIGOFA).