Youth Unite around Agriculture and Climate Change
Participants in last week’s official launch of the Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC).
Climate change is a growing threat to agriculture—the backbone of most African economies. Its effects, including prolonged droughts, devastating floods, and other extreme weather events, are being felt across the continent. These impacts compound the challenges facing the agriculture sector, which has not lived up to its promise of delivering both food security and broad-based economic growth.
“It is against this backdrop that we must recognize the vital role that our youth play,” said Panduleni Ndinelago Elago, the Senior Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Programme (CAADP) Advisor at the Africa Union Commission speaking at the official launch of the Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC), which took place during the 14th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security commemoration at the CAADP Partnership Platform in Lusaka, Zambia last week. “They are the architects of innovative solutions, the champions of sustainable practices, and the leaders of tomorrow’s green economy. We must empower them to be active agents of change in both agro-food systems and climate action.”
Emmanuel Ngore of Policy LINK addresses the gathering.
The launch of CAYACC marked a milestone in African youth organizations’ efforts to unite around agriculture and climate change issues. “Youth involvement in agriculture and addressing climate change is vital for economic growth. By investing in the youth, we can ensure a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for employment and economic development,” noted Olumide Idowu, the Executive Member of CAYACC.
The launch event featured a panel discussion with CAYACC members highlighting the challenges facing youth organizations, including limited resources and complex policies that hinder their participation in agriculture and climate change initiatives. Other panelists included Elizabeth Khadenyi, from Safaricom Sacco, who encouraged CAYACC to embrace cooperative movements and technology in its work, and the World Food Programme’s Kokou Sename, who stressed the importance of systems and accountability. The panelists were confident that, by channeling the influence of many organizations, CAYACC could spark change at the grassroots level.
Among the key participants at the launch were delegates and dignitaries, including representatives of Action-Aid and Africa Youth Commission parliamentarians represented by Hon. Gladys Ganda from Malawi, Hon. Jeremy Lissouba from Congo Brazzaville, and Hon. Dr. Godfred Jasaw from Ghana.