YOUNGO puts youth-led food systems projects on the map
By the YOUNGO Food and Agriculture Working Group
Across the world, young people are developing creative solutions to the challenges facing food and agriculture. Yet much of their work remains underrepresented in the discussions and evidence shaping global climate policy.
The YOUNGO Food and Agriculture (Official Children & Youth Constituency of UNFCCC) Working Group is working to change this through its Youth Project Compilation on Food, Agriculture and Climate Action. The first volume brings together 25 youth-led and youth-focused initiatives from more than 20 countries across six continents.
From agroecology and climate-resilient farming to food enterprises, technology and policy advocacy, the compilation highlights the diverse ways young people are responding to food security and environmental challenges.
One initiative featured is House Harvest in South Africa, founded by Gugulethu Mahlangu. Based in Makhanda, the project uses aquaponics to grow indigenous vegetables and raise fish while integrating solar energy and circular farming practices. According to the submission, its systems use up to 90% less water than conventional farming methods.
House Harvest has already trained and engaged over 100 young people and women in sustainable food production. Through a partnership with Meal After School NGO, the initiative is also supporting five households in Joza township to grow their own vegetables, strengthening local food security and community participation.
Elsewhere in Southern Africa, SolFarm Connect in Zimbabwe is developing a digital platform to reduce post-harvest losses by connecting farmers, transporters and buyers. In Malawi, Empowering Young Minds is supporting young people to develop skills in climate-smart agriculture and agricultural entrepreneurship.
These projects reflect the diversity of youth-led approaches to strengthening local food systems. They also demonstrate why young people’s experiences and solutions deserve greater recognition and support.
The compilation has been officially published on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) website as a submission under the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Implementation of Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security. Volume 2, featuring 100 projects, will be released at COP31.
By bringing evidence of local action into international climate discussions, YOUNGO hopes to strengthen the recognition of youth-led solutions and create opportunities for greater collaboration, funding and support.
An interactive global map makes the initiatives more accessible, helping connect young changemakers with researchers, policymakers, organisations and potential partners. With plans to launch a second volume, YOUNGO hopes to continue documenting youth-led initiatives and strengthening the connection between local action and global climate policy.
Explore the full compilation: YOUNGO Youth Project Compilation, Volume 1
Explore the interactive map: YOUNGO Global Youth Compilation
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