From her organic hibiscus field and production facility in Nigeria to one of Africa’s environmental and restoration platforms, the journey of Ezeofor Goodness to the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) Africa 2026 reflects the growing power of youth-led agricultural innovation and community-driven change.
As a YPARD WYNA Programme Fellow, Ezeofor joined young leaders, restoration practitioners, researchers, and development actors from across the continent in Nairobi, Kenya, for a transformative experience centered on sustainable landscapes, restoration, and inclusive environmental action. For Ezeofor, GLF Africa 2026 was more than just a conference. It was a platform where her passion for Agroforestry, agriculture, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainability intersected with global conversations shaping the future of landscapes and food systems.
Through storytelling, networking, field experiences, and high-level engagements, she carried the voice of young agricultural entrepreneurs and demonstrated how grassroots initiatives can contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts.
One of the most defining aspects of Ezeofor’s participation was the opportunity to showcase G-Active Hibiscus Tea, a product that shaped her entrepreneurial journey and supported as a community solution project under the WYNA program.
Photos left: Zata, Erini, Lydia and Amina with G-Active Hibiscus Tea at The Global Landscape Forum (GLFAfrica2026).
“I had always dreamed of one day taking center stage at global forums like this. I never imagined that my organic hibiscus and my community-solution project would open such doors for me. At GLF, I found myself at the center of meaningful conversations and engagements around youth, agriculture, and sustainability. It is an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Ezeofor said.
Event Proceedings: The opening plenary session of GLF Africa 2026, themed “From Margins to Mainstream,” set the tone for the event by emphasizing the importance of bringing overlooked landscapes and communities into global climate and biodiversity discussions. The session highlighted African rangelands, pastoralist systems, and indigenous knowledge as critical elements in restoring ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience across the continent.
Throughout the forum, Goodness actively engaged in various sessions and activities designed to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange among landscape practitioners and young leaders.
Ezeofor also had the opportunity to engage and network with several key members of the YPARD network during the event, including Ms. Irene Gitau, the WYNA Programme Intern based at the PELUM Kenya offices. Their interaction provided a valuable platform to exchange ideas and experiences on the implementation of their respective community solution projects, while also discussing pathways for professional growth and leadership within the agriculture and development sectors.
In addition, she connected with Wilfred Ajimoti, the YPARD Country Representative for Benin, with whom she shared perspectives on strengthening youth engagement and shaping YPARD initiatives, particularly at the community level. These discussions highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and youth-led action in advancing sustainable agricultural and landscape initiatives across Africa.
Beyond the YPARD network, Ezeofor further expanded her professional connections through interactions with various dignitaries and stakeholders, including the CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF, as well as young leaders and environmental practitioners from across the African continent.
A major highlight of the experience was Ezeofor’s participation in media interviews with Radio France Internationale (RFI) and WeTell, where she shared insights into her work as a WYNA Fellow and agricultural entrepreneur. During the interviews, she spoke passionately about YPARD’s contribution to youth engagement in agriculture and how the fellowship has strengthened her leadership journey and commitment to sustainable development.
She also reflected on her experiences as a woman in agriculture and the evolving role of young women within the sector. Through leadership, advocacy, and enterprise development, Goodness demonstrated how young women are reshaping perceptions around agriculture while creating opportunities for innovation, empowerment, and economic growth.
In her interview with WeTell, Ezeofor highlighted her project supporting five young people through practical training in organic hibiscus cultivation and production. She emphasized the importance of equipping youth with agricultural knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and opportunities for value addition. Her story illustrated how agriculture can serve not only as a livelihood pathway but also as a tool for community transformation and youth empowerment.
Beyond the conference halls, GLF Africa 2026 also offered participants a deeper connection to landscapes through the Community and Action Assembly, which brought together restoration stewards, youth leaders, and environmental practitioners from different countries.
Visit to Ololuwa Forest:
As part of the assembly, participants visited Ololuwa Forest, where they explored the ecological and cultural significance of the landscape while learning about restoration and conservation practices within the local community.
For Goodness, the forest visit provided an opportunity to connect environmental conversations with lived realities. Participants engaged in guided walks, discussions on biodiversity, and reflections on how communities interact with landscapes over time. One of the most memorable moments of the visit was the collective planting of 76 trees as a contribution toward restoration and sustainability efforts.
-Showcased G-Active Hibiscus Tea and Youth Empowerment Initiative
Ezeofor successfully showcased G-Active Hibiscus Tea as a symbol of youth-led agricultural entrepreneurship and sustainability, while highlighting her YPARD-supported project empowering young people through organic hibiscus cultivation and value addition.
-Engaged with Global Leaders in Restoration and Sustainability
She interacted with high-level leaders, including the Director of the Global Landscapes Forum and the Director of CIFOR-ICRAF, providing an opportunity to present her work, expand her professional visibility, and exchange ideas on sustainable development and landscape restoration.
-Expanded Regional and International Networks
Through networking sessions and collaborative engagements, Ezeofor built meaningful connections with professionals, organizations, and youth leaders across Africa, opening opportunities for future partnerships, learning, and collaboration.
-Strengthened Youth Representation and Advocacy at Global Level
As a YPARD WYNA Fellow, Ezeofor actively contributed to discussions on landscape restoration, environmental sustainability, and youth participation, reinforcing the growing recognition of youth-led solutions within international development and sustainability spaces.
SPECIAL THANKS: GLF and the WYNA Programme
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