Youth in action: Driving innovation and technology for sustainable and risk-smart agriculture

On 15 October, during the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) flagship event, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) organized an engaging youth side event titled “Youth in action: Driving innovation and technology for sustainable and risk-smart agriculture”, bringing together young innovators, development leaders and partners to discuss how digital technologies can transform agrifood systems and manage agricultural risks.

The event aimed to amplify youth-led solutions and explore how innovation can enhance resilience and sustainability in global agrifood systems.

Opening remarks stressed that in an increasingly interconnected world, digital innovation and technology play a crucial role in building resilient agrifood systems. Speakers emphasized that youth, as digital natives, are uniquely positioned to lead this transition by leveraging innovation to reduce agricultural risks and strengthen food security.

Biruk Aschalew, Founder and President of the Enderase Youth Association, Ethiopia, highlighted youth as catalysts of change, driving market linkages, precision farming and climate-smart solutions through agri-tech and fintech innovations. He called for reforms to integrate innovation funds, support incubators and develop co-creation platforms that enable young people to meaningfully engage in policy and decision-making.

Panelists discussed how information access is fundamental for farmers to make informed decisions, from what and where to grow, to anticipating weather shocks. Examples from Tanzania or Nigeria showcased how artificial intelligence (AI) based farmer chats and mobile platforms empower smallholder farmers, especially women, to manage agricultural risks and expand market access.

Speakers also addressed persistent barriers such as limited access to infrastructure, electricity and training in rural areas. They stressed the need for multilingual digital content and stronger institutional support to ensure no young farmer is left behind. Across discussions, collaboration emerged as a key driver to scale impact.

The event concluded with a collective call to invest in and mentor youth innovators by recognizing the central role of young people in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. The discussion reaffirmed that the future of farming depends on making agriculture more innovative and youth-driven.