Written by
Eseimokumo Albert, Project Officer BBFORPEACE
Introduction
Africa comprises a huge number of young people compared to other continents. Specifically, 60% of the entire continent’s population is below 25 years making the continent with the highest number of young persons in the world[1]. A high population is either a burden or an asset depending on the sophistication of the skillset and knowledge of the population. Therefore, the population of young people in Africa would remain an untapped blessing if they do not possess the skills that would lead to sustainability and development. Africa is webbed in complex environmental issues like climate change, deforestation and habitat loss, flooding, drought and others that are interconnected and have far-reaching consequences for the continent’s biodiversity, which need youthful energy and innovations to address.
However, it is a strange paradox that the continent has yet to harness its youthful powerhouse for sustainable development optimally. This is more worrisome when considering that a significant proportion of African youth are engaged in agricultural activities for their livelihoods. Climate change can disrupt rainfall patterns, lead to droughts or floods, and impact crop yields, thereby affecting their food security and economic stability.
Youths are the driving force for socioeconomic and environmental development but not without the right skills. African youth struggle with a lack of quality education, lack of access to the policy-making sphere but remain victims of unsustainable policies that threaten their daily lives. Worse still, many parts of the continent are embroiled in conflicts where youths are not just victims but serve as active combatants, soldiers, or violent non-state actors, yet, they remain an indispensable force for a green revolution.
Challenges faced by young people
Young people face challenges impacting their personal, social, educational, and professional development. These challenges can vary depending on cultural context, socioeconomic status, and individual circumstances. Some of the prevailing challenges faced by youth include:
Without education and trained skills, young people cannot be employed, thereby intriguing them to engage in different conflictual activities for survival. In Africa, owing to a lack of appropriate skills, up to 60 per cent of young people are unemployed[2]. In other words, education is the key to developing a sustainable society.
Unemployment: A youth with no job can always be used to carry out social vices and cause conflict in the society. Just like the saying, “An idle man is the devil’s workshop.” Imagine having 53.4 per cent of unemployed youths, more than half of the employed ones in Nigeria and 12.6 per cent in the world[3]. High unemployment results in a high rate of conflict and criminal activities among young people. When job opportunities are limited, especially for entry-level positions, young people get frustrated along the line and engage in an alternative source of income thereby going into criminal activities[4]. So, to maintain a sustainable world, the leaders of societies should create jobs and skills which will accommodate young ones and get them busy.
Lack of Education: One of the fundamental challenges young people face is the lack of access to quality education. And also, one of the essential prerequisites of achieving a sustainable world is giving young people the key to quality education. Education creates room for young ones to be skilled, enlightened about their environment and understand how to deal with the issues of climate change and sustainability. High tuition fees have also limited higher education opportunities for young ones. Especially those who live in rural areas with limited income and cannot afford to get educated due to the lack of funds. And sometimes, due to the disruptions in education caused by conflicts, emergencies, or pandemics, they tend even to unlearn what they have learned due to the long break duration.
Environmental Concerns/Climate Change: Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected by climate change and environmental sustainability. Climate change significantly impacts youths in various ways; it could affect their education, health impacts (psychologically and mentally), economic challenges, displacement and migration, and loss of biodiversity and ecosystems, affecting their present and future well-being.
Lack of Political Engagement and Shrinking Civic Participation: Young people are interested in political actions and desire to also participate in the decision and policy making process but lack support and opportunities. They are most times disenfranchised or powerless. So, it is essential to include the youths in the policy-making process and give them opportunities for their voices to be heard in the society.
Empowering Youths With Green Skills Towards a Sustainable World; a Way Forward
Africa is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including increased temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, droughts, and more frequent and severe weather events. These changes can disrupt agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems, leading to food and water scarcity, displacement, and economic instability. Other issues which also includes deforestation and habitat loss, desertification, land degradation, water scarcity and pollution, biodiversity loss, lack of waste management resulting to pollution and lack of energy access. With all of these challenges encountered, there is need for young peole to be enlightened and trained green skills to achieve a sustainable world.
Green skills for young people play a vital role in building a sustainable world and addressing environmental challenges. As our global community becomes increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment and combat climate change, equipping young people with green skills becomes even more crucial. These skills encompass a broad range of knowledge, competencies, and behaviours that promote sustainable practices and contribute to a more environmentally conscious society. Emphasizing the development of these emerging skills can empower young people to navigate an ever-changing world, adapt to new challenges, and seize opportunities in various domains. Education, mentorship, and practical experiences are essential in nurturing these skills and preparing the younger generation for a successful and fulfilling future.
Enlightening young people about the interconnectedness of ecological systems, climate change, biodiversity loss, and human environmental impact is crucial for making informed decisions and taking sustainable actions. Knowledge about renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power and their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change is also vital. Learning about sustainable farming practices, organic agriculture, and regenerative farming techniques can promote food security and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. Understanding the importance of waste management, recycling, composting, and proper disposal methods helps young people contribute to waste reduction and minimize pollution.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, exposing young people to eco-friendly technologies, such as energy-efficient appliances and intelligent systems, can lead to innovative solutions for environmental challenges. Understanding environmental policies and engaging in advocacy efforts can empower young people to influence decision-makers and promote sustainable policies. Young people pursuing careers in eco-friendly businesses or starting sustainable ventures will foster innovation and drive economic growth while addressing environmental challenges. All these are skills that young people need to be aware of and trained on in every society.
In commemoration of the 2023 International Youth Day, BBFORPEACE joins its voice with other key Stakeholders’ to emphasise on the importance of Green skills as it empowers young people to become responsible global citizens who can actively participate in shaping a sustainable world for future generations.
Also, governments, educational institutions, and organisations should come together to incorporate these skills into formal and informal education programs, encouraging the development of a generation that prioritises environmental stewardship for a better environment for all.
[1] Adegoke, Yinka.” The youngest continent will keep being run by its oldest leaders”.
[2] World Bank data, cited in Africa Renewal, ‘Africa’s jobless youth cast a shadow over economic growth’.
[3] https://fij.ng/article/53-youth-unemployment-makes-nigeria-worlds-second-worst/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20also%20estimated%20by,in%202022%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said.
[4] https://www.tekedia.com/youth-unemployment-as-a-catalyst-that-drives-conflict-in-west-africa/