Empowering Youth for Climate-Resilient Agriculture Development in Sri Lanka

Introduction

 Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture, facing simultaneous challenges of economic constraints, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the looming threats posed by climate change. With over 30% of its population experiencing food insecurity and significant segments facing unemployment and underemployment, the urgency to address these issues cannot be overstated. Moreover, Sri Lanka ranks as the world's 30th most climate-impacted nation, with the effects of climate change directly impacting the livelihoods of the majority of its population, particularly the youth who reside in coastal and low-lying areas. Furthermore, disparities in access to quality education, healthcare, and housing exacerbate the vulnerabilities faced by underprivileged communities, hindering their socio-economic advancement.

Background

Sri Lanka, an island nation heavily reliant on agriculture, is acutely vulnerable to climate change. The Index for Risk Management ranks Sri Lanka as having 96% of its disasters linked to climate and weather events. This vulnerability, coupled with economic hardships and a trend of youth leaving the agricultural sector, creates a perfect storm threatening food security and sustainable development.

Justification for Investment

Investing in youth capacity development in Sri Lanka's agricultural sector is not just a necessity but also a strategic imperative. The agricultural sector, with its rich history dating back over 2500 years, has traditionally played a significant role in Sri Lanka's economy and poverty reduction efforts. However, the sector faces challenges, including low youth participation compounded by the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. By investing in young entrepreneurs and equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources, we can ensure the future of agriculture in Sri Lanka while addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Challenges

The project acknowledges potential challenges, such as limited access to resources, economic constraints, and potential policy limitations. To mitigate these challenges, the project will adopt a collaborative approach, working closely with stakeholders to leverage existing resources and advocate for policy reforms that support youth participation in agriculture. Additionally, the project will explore innovative financing mechanisms to ensure project sustainability. The main challenges are given below in addition;

·         Climate Change Impact: Sri Lanka's vulnerability to climate change threatens food security, education, employment, and overall well-being, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas.

·         Youth in Rural Areas: Over 85% of young people in Sri Lanka reside in rural areas, working in climate-dependent industries disproportionately affected by climate-related consequences.

·         Food Insecurity and Malnutrition: Climate-induced impacts on agriculture have led to food insecurity, affecting over 6.3 million people and contributing to malnutrition.

·         Unemployment and Underemployment: The COVID-19 and economic collops exacerbated unemployment, affecting youth and middle-skilled workers, limiting job opportunities, and hindering livelihood initiatives.

Untapped Potential

Sri Lanka's youth possess immense potential for innovation and entrepreneurship. By equipping them with the necessary skills and resources, we can empower them to drive a transformation towards a climate-resilient agricultural sector.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This project directly aligns with several SDGs, including:

·         SDG 2: Zero Hunger: By empowering young entrepreneurs to increase agricultural productivity and promote food security.

·         SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: By creating new job opportunities for youth in the agricultural sector.

·         SDG 13: Climate Action: By promoting the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices.

 Objective

The objective of this concept paper is to propose a comprehensive strategy for attracting donors to support youth capacity development in Sri Lanka's agricultural sector. By leveraging suitable statistics and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the paper aims to create young entrepreneurs capable of ensuring food security, promoting climate-resilient practices, and raising awareness in underprivileged areas.

Proposal

The proposal entails the establishment of initiatives focused on:

·         Green Skills Training Program: Equipping young people with skills in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and environmental conservation.

·         Sustainable Entrepreneurship Incubator: Supporting young entrepreneurs in launching sustainable businesses through mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities.

·         Youth-Led Climate Action Projects: Empowering youth to implement community-based initiatives addressing climate change and environmental issues.

·         Facilitate access to finance and establish commercial partnerships to support youth entrepreneurship.

·         Introduce mechanization to enhance efficiency and productivity.

·         Advocate for policy changes that encourage youth participation in agriculture.

Expected Outcomes:

Highlight the anticipated positive outcomes of the project:

·         Increased youth engagement in climate-smart agriculture.

·         Enhanced food security and improved nutrition.

·         Creation of new green jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

·         A more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in Sri Lanka.

Call to Action

We invite discerning donors to partner with us in this transformative initiative. By joining forces, we can empower Sri Lankan youth to become the architects of a sustainable

Conclusion

Investing in youth capacity development in Sri Lanka's agricultural sector is essential for addressing climate change, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable development. By leveraging suitable statistics, aligning with the SDGs, and addressing key challenges, we can attract donors and create a brighter future for Sri Lanka's youth and the agricultural sector.

References

·         World Bank Sri Lanka Economic Update, 2024.

·         Sri Lanka Labor Force Survey, Department of Census and Statistics, 2024.

·         Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Sri Lanka, Food Security and Nutrition Assessment, 2024.

·         Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka, Education Sector Performance Report, 2024.

·         Sri Lanka Health Accounts Report, 2024.

·         Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development, Sri Lanka.

·         United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Sri Lanka Governance Assessment, 2024.