Change To Food Systems Is Messy But TVET Aids Convergence
Change To Food Systems Is Messy But TVET Aids Convergence. The transformation of Africa food systems is no longer a subject of academic debate it is a continental necessity. As leaders, innovators, educators, and youth from across the region gathered in Nairobi to evaluate progress, one theme echoed persistently: change is messy, but also full of promise.
Sir David Nabarro, a global advocate for food systems change, offered a profound reflection during the summit: while transforming food systems is undeniably complex due to the overlapping involvement of sectors, actors, interests, and geographies, the chaos can give birth to something beautiful. His message struck a chord, especially when viewed through the lens of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), a critical but underexplored enabler of food systems transformation.
Complexity of Food Systems Transformation
Transforming food systems in Africa involves a diverse web of interconnected challenges:
- Climate change and environmental degradation
- Fragmented agricultural value chains
- Youth unemployment
- Limited access to education and finance
- Weak rural infrastructure
The process is inherently multi-sectoral, involving agriculture, education, health, environment, trade, and innovation. Given this complexity, a holistic yet adaptable approach is required one that TVET is uniquely positioned to provide.
The “Yes, And” Mindset: Embracing Synergy in Change
Drawing from the principles of Flip Thinking by Berthold Gunster, transformation efforts must adopt the “Yes, And” mindset instead of the traditional “Yes, But” approach. This attitude embraces opportunities in chaos and encourages collaborative solutions rather than dwelling on limitations.
For food systems to truly transform, stakeholders must be open to cross-sector convergence, aligning the strengths of TVET institutions with the goals of agriculture and sustainability.
TVET: The Bridge Between Skills and Sustainable Agriculture
At the Nairobi summit, when the role of TVET in food systems was raised, it surprised many. It’s a connection that isn’t immediately obvious, but upon deeper analysis, it becomes not only valid but essential.
TVET brings a practical, solutions-driven approach to the forefront—one capable of equipping Africa’s youth with the tools to thrive in evolving agricultural landscapes.
| TVET Function | Contribution to Food Systems |
|---|---|
| Modular Training | Rapid skill acquisition for green jobs |
| Competency-Based Education (CBET) | Real-world application via industry exposure |
| Entrepreneurship Development | Supporting agribusiness and food startups |
| Climate-smart Curriculum Integration | Fostering resilience and sustainability |
| Community Engagement | Promoting localized food solutions |
The Urgent Need to Restore Degraded Agricultural Land
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, a respected voice in African agriculture, issued a stark warning: nearly 60% of Africa’s agricultural land under production is degraded. This has direct implications for food security, climate resilience, and economic development.
In response, the 30 by 30 initiative aims to restore 30% of this degraded land by 2030. However, this goal will remain out of reach without a skilled workforce. This is where TVET institutions must step in—with practical training in land restoration, climate-smart agriculture, and agroecology.
TVET graduates trained in sustainable land management can serve as boots on the ground to implement restoration programs across rural areas.
The Myth of the Ageing African Farmer
A commonly held belief is that African farmers are, on average, 60 years old. However, data tells a different story: the majority of Africa’s farmers are actually youths aged 32 to 39. This youth-dominant demographic, often referred to as Africa’s demographic dividend, presents an extraordinary opportunity.
Investing in these young people through TVET programs tailored to modern agriculture can catalyze the food systems transformation. However, this must be done through targeted initiatives that dignify and empower youth to view agriculture not as a last resort, but as a promising, profitable career.
Youth Empowerment through TVET: A Sustainable Future
Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki has long advocated that the productivity of African youth will remain compromised unless they are meaningfully dignified and empowered. In the context of food systems, this empowerment comes through skilling and reskilling particularly in areas that respond to current and future challenges such as:
- Climate variability
- Post-harvest loss management
- Digital agriculture and agri-tech
- Sustainable irrigation and water conservation
- Organic farming practices
TVET institutions can design short, intensive, modular training programs (lasting 3–6 months) that are flexible and aligned with local food systems needs. These programs are especially important for out-of-school youth and those in rural or marginalized communities.
| Skill Area | Application in Food Systems |
|---|---|
| Agro-processing | Value addition and reducing food loss |
| Precision farming | Efficient resource use via technology |
| Organic composting | Soil restoration and sustainable input use |
| Drip irrigation installation | Climate-smart water management |
| Agribusiness management | Entrepreneurship and market linkages |
Integrating Industry and Education
A major advantage of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) is the dual-training model, which allows learners to spend over 50% of their time in real-world industry settings. This approach is ideal for food systems transformation, as it ensures that students are not only theoretically informed but also practically capable.
TVET centers can form partnerships with:
- Farmer cooperatives
- Agritech startups
- Government extension services
- Agro-processing enterprises
These partnerships allow young learners to engage directly with food systems actors and build market-relevant competencies, preparing them for immediate employment or entrepreneurship.
From Training to Enterprise
TVET does more than provide skills it lays the foundation for enterprise development. As youth are trained in green skills, they can also be guided on how to start and scale agribusiness ventures, particularly those focused on sustainability and food security.
Key areas of opportunity include:
- Urban farming and hydroponics
- Organic produce supply chains
- Local food packaging and distribution
- Renewable energy-powered farming
- Mobile apps for agriculture and logistics
With supportive ecosystems including access to finance, mentorship, and incubation, these enterprises can drive both economic and ecological transformation.
Conclusion
The transformation of Africa food systems will remain an elusive goal if TVET is not embedded at the heart of the agenda. The convergence of sectors, actors, and strategies is messy, but within that mess lies the opportunity to build something powerful, inclusive, and sustainable.
