YPARD: Celebrating young women farmers around the world
To celebrate the International Year of the Women Farmer, YPARD is spotlighting four young women in their network to showcase their experiences and journey in the agrifood systems sector.
Sussana Phiri, Zambia: Susana’s journey in agri-food systems began in her family’s smallholder farming community in Zambia, where she developed a deep understanding of the links between food, education and community wellbeing. Through youth networks such as YPARD, the CAADP Youth Network and the Zambia Youth Environmental Network, she built her leadership skills and expanded her impact. Today, as YPARD Zambia Country Representative and Membership Lead at the CA4SH Coalition, Susana helps shape national dialogues, has trained more than 2 500 young people in nutrition and sustainable practices, and creates opportunities for youth to engage in sustainable food systems.
Caption: Sussana co-moderating a panel discussion at the KHSA-RAENS Regional Learning Exchange in Lusaka, Zambia, 2026 Credit: KHSA
Hazell Flores, Nicaragua and USA: Young people from diverse backgrounds bring vital perspectives to the sustainable transformation of agri-food systems. Hazell’s journey reflects this. Trained in communications and journalism in Nicaragua, she moved into the development sector before joining a Fulbright-funded coffee project at Cornell University. There, she helped connect research with the realities faced by farmers, bringing together knowledge, people and action.
Over the past four years, Hazell has served as YPARD’s Communications and Advocacy Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean and now sits on the YPARD Steering Committee.
Caption: Hazell (second to left) at the YPARD LAC 2025 Regional Meeting at Lima, Peru Credit: YPARD
Chidinma Ezeh, Nigeria: Chidinma has redefined what it means to build a career in agrifood systems by turning personal challenges into transformative solutions. After experiencing significant crop losses caused by labour shortages and skills gaps, she founded FarmCAS, a tech-enabled platform that connects, trains and empowers thousands of young people and women to access meaningful opportunities in agriculture.
With 8+ years of experience across food security, rural development and climate-smart agriculture and as the YPARD Nigeria Country Representative, she has equipped thousands of young professionals with the tools to thrive and has strengthened women’s economic inclusion.
As a recognised agrifood systems advocate, she helps shape global conversations on youth employment and agribusiness innovation.
Caption: Chidinma heading a capacity building session with farm staff in Nigeria Credit: YPARD
Rosmery Báez Lizarazo, Colombia: Raised with a deep connection to farming, Rosmery developed an early appreciation for the traditional knowledge, land, food production and the cultural importance of agriculture. Trained in public law and human rights studies, she has carved out a unique path advocating for the rights of rural communities and young people in agriculture. Through her role as Columbia Country Representative, she has engaged in several regional and global advocacy fora, and is organising innovation spaces like an agrobiodiversity school, an incubator programme and territorial peace gardens with her team.
Her journey reflects how interdisciplinary backgrounds can unlock new pathways in agrifood systems, enabling her to thrive as a changemaker working toward more just, inclusive and sustainable food futures. She would like to see more spaces that can channel the energy, charisma, ideas and dreams of every young person, so they can be heard, supported and prioritised in building agri-food systems that provide real solutions to the problems we continually face.
Caption: Rosmery (middle) with YPARD team at CBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia Credit: YPARD
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