FAO2023-07-142023-07-142018FAO. (2018). Documentation of best youth agribusiness models in East African Community partner states. FAO/EAChttps://doi.org/10.60682/d1h0-9y25Technical reportThe youth labour force in Sub-Sahara Africa is estimated at about 70%, higher than the global average which is estimated at about 63%. This youthful population is growing and expected to double to over 830 million by 2050. In Eastern Africa, youth represents about 45% of the region’s total population. If properly harnessed, this demographic dividend of the working age population could support increased productivity, ensure food security, strengthen inclusive economic growth, and address the high level of unemployed youth by engaging them in the agricultural sector. The net outcome would result to reducing distress rural/urban youth migration. Unfortunately, one-third of estimated 420 million youth aged 15-35 are unemployed. Apart from addressing the problem of youth unemployment, the continent is challenged to address increasing underemployment, thus the double-edged challenge of youth unemployment and underemployment. In the absence of social safety nets, young people are forced to take low-wage jobs to secure their very survival. Many of the disadvantaged youth in Eastern Africa live in rural communities. Weak economic opportunities in rural areas, makes it difficult for rural youth to secure decent and productive employment, hence the need to create viable economic opportunities to engage rural youth. The current estimated youth bulge offers an unprecedented opportunity for governments and development partners to harness this energy and provide incentives to motivate and support innovative rural development ideas that would bolster economic development and social change. For rural youth, creating an alternative in the agricultural sector can present a viable opportunity to earn decent and productive job and improve rural development option.enTechnical Report