Join the First Youth Conversation on the Future of Africa’s Agrifood Systems

Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), in collaboration with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), invites young farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, development practitioners, policymakers, and other agrifood systems stakeholders to participate in the first session of the Youth Conversations on the Future of Africa’s Agrifood Systems. This consultation series forms part of the AASW 2026 Preparatory Series, a continent-wide youth engagement process leading to the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) and 10th FARA General Assembly, which will take place in Abuja, Nigeria. The Youth Conversations aim to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue among African youth and agrifood systems stakeholders, generating recommendations that will contribute to the development of an African Youth Position Statement to be presented during AASW 2026.

Session Theme

Building Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems in Africa: The Role of Youth, Innovation and Partnerships

Climate change continues to threaten food security, livelihoods, and agricultural productivity across Africa. At the same time, young people across the continent are driving innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and community-led solutions that strengthen resilience within agrifood systems. This session will explore how youth leadership, innovation, and strategic partnerships can contribute to building climate-resilient agrifood systems. Participants will reflect on current challenges, share practical experiences, identify promising innovations, and develop recommendations for policymakers, research institutions, development partners, and youth organizations. Through facilitated breakout discussions, participants will contribute directly to recommendations that will inform the African Youth Position Statement for AASW 2026.

Project Spotlight

The session will feature a spotlight on the Research for Agroecology Network Southern Africa (RAENS) initiative, highlighting practical experiences and lessons from efforts to promote sustainable and resilient agrifood systems through agroecological approaches.

Expected Outcome

Participants will contribute to a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with climate resilience in African agrifood systems and generate practical recommendations on the roles of youth, innovation, and partnerships in advancing sustainable transformation. The recommendations emerging from the discussion will contribute to the African Youth Position Statement to be presented at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week and 10th FARA General Assembly.

Who Should Participate?

The session is open to:

• Young farmers and producers
• Researchers and academics
• Agripreneurs and private sector actors
• Youth organizations and networks
• Development practitioners
• Policymakers and government representatives
• Students and young professionals interested in agrifood systems transformation

Featured Speakers and Facilitators

Joseph Enock Ssembuusi - YPARD Uganda

Chidinma Ezeh- YPARD Nigeria 

Sussana Phiri - YPARD Zambia

Bebel Ngeupi - YPARD Cameroon

Sarfoh Danquah - Ghana

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