Murals as methodology: Public art as entry point to youth civic engagement
Food systems are the intricate web of people, places and processes that shape how we produce, share and experience food, often unnoticed in daily life.
In each of the AfriFOODlinks cities, youth ambassadors were tasked with conceptualising, designing and installing a mural that would start conversations about an aspect of their city’s food system. Ambassadors had to identify a location, navigate questions of property ownership and communicate their concepts to various stakeholders. That process, which might sound administrative, is a form of civic education. It required ambassadors to learn how their city actually works. This is what distinguishes public art as a methodology from more conventional forms of youth engagement.
Rather than inviting communities to participate in a process, it embeds the conversation in spaces where food is already lived and understood, making food systems visible to people who are part of them every day but rarely see that acknowledged. For the ambassadors who created them, the murals were a lesson in how to navigate and sometimes gently disrupt the municipal systems that shape urban food life. Through murals, youth ambassadors make these systems visible, sparking conversations and connections in their communities. The murals that follow are a curated selection from some AfriFOODlinks cities.
Artist: Youssef Sayhi (movement “Blech Esem”) Youth ambassador: Adel Azouni
The mural was created at Omar El Mokhtar Middle School in Tunis. It has a multidisciplinary scope, aiming to raise awareness, mobilise and encourage cooperation among various stakeholders. The mural depicts a real person: a farmer and producer committed to preserving the land and promoting local seeds.
BOTTOM: You are what you eat
Artist: Ayabonga “Khador” Ntshongwana Youth ambassador: Sindile “Khofhi The King” Kamlana
This mural serves as a reminder to the community of Barcelona, Gugulethu to be mindful of what they consume. The vibrant artwork uses primary colours to echo the freshness and simplicity of non-GMO vegetables that anyone can grow in a backyard garden. The mural encourages healthier choices, celebrates local food traditions and inspires residents to reconnect with nutritious, home-grown produce as part of everyday life.
Artist: Daniel Malik Youth ambassador: Christine Bonareri Morara
Titled “Lake’s Gift, City’s Health,” this mural celebrates the deep connection between Lake Victoria and Kisumu’s food system, from fishermen to local markets to nourishing meals. It highlights the roles of women and youth in sustaining food security and encourages pride in local produce and traditions. Through vibrant imagery, it sparks conversations around sustainable fishing, supporting community commerce and promoting diverse, healthy diets.
BOTTOM: Nothing wasted
Artist: Éric Sovuthy Kruoch Youth ambassador: Mahamadou Chitou Mariama
Painted opposite Diori School near Katako Market in Niamey, this mural tackles food waste by promoting practical habits such as waste sorting and composting, brought to life through culturally resonant illustrations. Messages like “every grain of millet counts” and “today’s leftovers feed tomorrow’s earth” connect environmental care to community health and everyday food practice.
Find out more about ICLEI Africa’s AfriFOODlinks programme here:
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