Youth Engagement in Senegalese Agribusiness and Food Systems: Dynamics and Impacts

Youth in Senegal are increasingly involved in agribusiness and food systems as a response to economic challenges and educational disparities. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews among 500 young entrepreneurs in Senegal’s agribusiness sector. Youth participation was positively correlated with increased crop yields by an average of 12% (95% CI: 6-18%) and enhanced access to agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, though there were significant regional variations. The study highlights the potential for youth-led initiatives in enhancing food security and economic growth but underscores the need for targeted support policies tailored to specific regions. Policy makers should prioritise education and vocational training programmes that equip young entrepreneurs with skills relevant to agribusiness, alongside infrastructure investments like road networks and irrigation systems. Youth Engagement, Agribusiness, Food Systems, Senegal, Agricultural Productivity The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.