Africa faces high unemployment rate due to an unprecedented youth bulge, which is not commensurable with job opportunities. In this context, other alternative programs, apart from creating non-farm employment, become necessary. This study uses Bwanje Valley Irrigation Scheme in Malawi as a case study to highlight the importance of agricultural development in reducing unemployment among the youth in rural areas. The findings of the case study revealed that the youth who participated in the irrigation farming were food secure as they had enough food to eat throughout the year and realized also increased incomes. This increased income had multiplier effects such as creation of small or medium enterprises, acquisition of assets including building of houses with iron sheets and buying of livestock, etc. The case study therefore posits that promoting agricultural development programs is likely to absorb unemployed youth in rural areas. Therefore, governments should mainstream policies and strategies that encourage voluntary youth participation in agricultural development programs.