The share of Africa’s young population is growing rapidly, presents an opportunity to generate inclusive development that will benefit African countries and their populations more broadly, particularly in rural areas, says the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

These are some of the key findings of a new book co-authored by Valerie Mueller and James Thurlow, senior researchers at the IFPRI, according to a Tuesday press release by the organisation.

The book 'Youth and Jobs in Rural Africa: Beyond Stylised Facts' challenges some of the myths that underpin the prevailing narratives and policy debates about youth employment in rural Africa.

The continent’s “youth bulge” is neither the unprecedented population shift prompting concern among some policymakers, nor it’s saving grace some others hope it might be.

“The book presents case studies examining migration, political participation, and other themes, as well as specific experiences in five countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal and Tanzania), allowing it to reflect the wide variations observed across and within African countries,” read the  IFPRI press release.

The book’s focus on rural Africa—where most of the world’s poor population lives—and the participation of youth in agricultural transformation also helps fill an important gap in current literature.

“Africa’s fast-growing youth population has prompted worries about high unemployment and unrest among some, while others expect young people to provide the digital know-how and entrepreneurial spirit needed to transform Africa,” said Thurlow.

“Our book finds fault in both these narratives, and suggests that rather than focusing on the youth, the best course for African countries is to promote inclusive growth that benefits young and old alike,” added Thurlow.

Thurlow added that after carefully examining the evidence, Africa does not have a youth problem but rather faces the broader challenge of promoting inclusive economic transformation.