Given support and the opportunity of employment, young people have the potential to play a significant role in rural development. According to the International Labour Organization, GDP in sub-Saharan Africa would rise by 12-19 per cent if young people were employed in productive work. This special focus from New Agriculturalist, looks at the role of young people in agricultural development and highlight initiatives that are delivering the support and skills they need to create profitable agricultural enterprises and fulfil their extraordinary potential.