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Across Africa, women and young people are already transforming agrifood systems. They are leading research, building agribusinesses, developing climate-smart innovations, supporting farmers, and driving change in their communities. Their ideas, energy, and leadership are helping shape more resilient and sustainable food systems. Yet despite these contributions, many remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces, research leadership, and institutional governance, where critical policies, investments, and priorities are determined. As leaders from across the continent prepare to gather in Abuja, Nigeria, from 27–31 July 2026 for the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) and 10th FARA General Assembly, a new initiative is set to place meaningful inclusion at the center of Africa's agrifood transformation. The Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), together with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), CORAF, Agrinatura, and the International Research Consortium (IRC) on Food, Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) through the CEA-FIRST initiative, will officially launch the Gender and Youth Engagement Pledge Campaign, a collective call for institutions to move beyond declarations and demonstrate their commitment to gender equality and meaningful youth engagement through practical, measurable action.
Built around the message "One Institution. One Pledge. Lasting Impact.", the campaign invites every institution participating in AASW to make at least one practical commitment that advances the meaningful engagement of women and young people over the next twelve months. While Africa has adopted important continental and global frameworks promoting gender equality and youth inclusion, translating these commitments into everyday institutional practice remains a challenge. Too often, declarations are made without clear pathways for implementation.
The Gender and Youth Engagement Pledge Campaign seeks to change that.
Rather than focusing on broad promises, the campaign encourages institutions to identify one realistic, impactful action they can implement within their own organization. The emphasis is not on the size of the pledge, but on the willingness to act and the commitment to deliver meaningful results.
There is no single blueprint for participation. Every institution has unique priorities, capacities, and opportunities to advance inclusion.
For some, this may mean establishing a Gender and Youth Focal Point to champion inclusive policies and programmes. Others may commit to expanding mentorship opportunities for young professionals, creating internship or fellowship programmes, increasing the representation of women and youth in leadership and governance structures, supporting youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship, or strengthening partnerships with youth-led and women-led organizations.
Whatever the commitment, the campaign encourages institutions to make a pledge that is practical, meaningful, achievable, and capable of creating lasting impact.
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The campaign will be officially unveiled during the opening plenary of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW), Africa's premier forum for agricultural research and innovation. Held under the theme "Innovation and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa," the event will bring together policymakers, researchers, universities, development partners, private sector actors, farmer organizations, and youth networks from across the continent. The gathering provides an ideal platform to inspire institutions to move from aspiration to action by embedding gender equality and youth engagement into the heart of their research, innovation, and organizational priorities.
The Gender and Youth Engagement Pledge Campaign is designed to extend far beyond the conference itself. Throughout the twelve-month implementation period, participating institutions will be encouraged to share their commitments, document their progress, and showcase stories of implementation. By celebrating practical action and encouraging peer learning, the campaign aims to build a growing community of organizations committed to advancing inclusive agrifood research and innovation across Africa. These shared experiences will not only promote accountability but will also inspire other institutions to adopt similar commitments, creating momentum for long-term institutional change across the continent.
As preparations for Africa Agriculture Science Week 2026 gather momentum, YPARD and its partners invite institutions from across Africa's agrifood sector to become part of this collective effort:
-Meaningful change rarely begins with sweeping reforms.
-It begins with one institution choosing to take one practical step.
-One pledge can create new opportunities.
-One commitment can influence an entire institution.
-And together, many institutions can help shape a more inclusive and resilient future for Africa's agrifood systems.
Fill in the form here to make your pledge
The Gender and Youth Engagement Pledge Campaign is a joint initiative of YPARD, FARA, CORAF, Agrinatura, and the International Research Consortium (IRC) on Food, Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) under the CEA-FIRST initiative. The campaign encourages institutions participating in the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) to make at least one practical commitment that advances meaningful youth engagement and gender equality over the next twelve months. Participating institutions will also be invited to share their progress, helping build a growing community of practice committed to inclusive agrifood research and innovation across Africa.
Download the Gender and Youth Engagement here:
To know more about this campaign, Please contact
The YPARD Director, Genna Tesdall via genna.tesdall@ypard.net and
The Africa regional Coordinator, Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye via africa@ypard.net
