NAIROBI, Kenya- As the climate crisis continues to loom large, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is stepping up its efforts to engage Kenyan youth in reshaping the continent’s agri-food systems.
This initiative comes at a critical time when the transformation of food systems is increasingly recognized as a vital component in addressing the dual challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
In a recent gathering that marked the fourth national-level conversation on climate issues, AGRA brought together 100 young Kenyans to share their innovative approaches to reducing climate vulnerability in their communities.
These discussions are part of AGRA’s broader strategy to empower youth, providing them with platforms to engage directly with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
AGRA’s head of climate, adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and resilience, Kindie Fantaye, emphasized the critical role of youth leadership in tackling climate challenges.
“Together, we can build a sustainable future where our youth are not only survivors of climate change but leaders in creating a resilient and prosperous Kenya,” Fantaye remarked.
The Youth in Climate convening is more than just a series of discussions—it’s a concerted effort by AGRA to integrate young voices into the larger dialogue on climate action.
By fostering collaboration at the country level, AGRA aims to ensure that the perspectives and needs of the youth are central to shaping policies and initiatives that address climate impacts on agriculture.
Elizabeth Ngeny, Advisor on Gender and Affirmative Action at the President’s Economic Transformation Office, highlighted the essential role of civic organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions in advancing climate interventions.
She acknowledged contributions from entities like the Kenya Met Department and the University of Nairobi’s Institute for Climate Change Research, which have been pivotal in conducting research that informs these discussions.
Looking ahead, AGRA’s specialist in food systems and land use, Jeremiah Rogito, noted that the insights from this session will be presented at the Africa Food System Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, this September.
“We look forward to amplifying the voice of the youth—what they need to see happening on climate action in the continent. We use these voices in global engagements like COP29 to push for policies that favor youth in agriculture,” Rogito stated.
This effort aligns with the growing recognition that Africa, warming faster than the global average, faces an urgent need for collective action to support its youth.
By harnessing the energy, creativity, and leadership of young people, AGRA is driving a transformative agenda that could redefine the future of Africa’s agri-food systems in the face of climate change.
