youth employment

Agriculture is often discussed in terms of crop production, improved seeds, or farm inputs. Yet one of the most critical components of agricultural systems—particularly for smallholder farmers—is transportation. Without reliable transport systems, even productive farms can struggle to access markets and generate income. Across many rural communities, farmers face significant challenges moving their produce from farms to local markets or aggregation points. Poor road infrastructure, limited availability of transport services, and high transport costs can significantly reduce the profitability of farming activities.

Agriculture remains one of the most important sources of employment across many rural regions of Africa. While farming itself provides livelihoods for millions of smallholder producers, agricultural value chains also generate additional employment opportunities in areas such as processing, aggregation, storage, and transportation. During recent field activities under the FAHAP (Farming Against Hunger and Poverty) program, GetCare Foundation observed the important role rural youth play in supporting agricultural value chains. Young people in several communities were engaged in transporting agricultural produce, loading crops onto vehicles, and assisting farmers in moving harvested produce to market aggregation points.