Youth engagement in the Kenyan potato value chain: implications for food systems transformation

Abstract

This study examines the potential for youth engagement in food systems transformation in Kenya, focusing on the potato value chain. Guided by Systems Theory and Social Change Theory, and using a mixed-methods approach, it addresses three questions: (i) What are the current patterns of youth participation across different nodes of the food system? (ii) What factors enable or constrain youth engagement in food systems innovation? (iii) How does youth engagement contribute to, or reflect, broader processes of food systems transformation? Findings reveal that youth participation extends beyond production into input supply into input sectors, advisory services, aggregation, logistics, value addition, and food distribution, domains offering significant opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment creation. However, young people face barriers to cooperative formation, policy processes, and access to government programs. Gender patterns emerge, with young women more engaged in cooperatives and processing, and young men dominating digital farmer groups and agri-tech initiatives. Digital technologies expand youth access to markets, information, and networks, yet disparities persist. The study identifies key pathways for strengthening engagement through mentorship, skills development, entrepreneurship, and youth-responsive policies. It concludes that youth should be recognized as dynamic actors across food systems, requiring supportive institutional, financial and policy environments to drive inclusive food system transformation.