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Selected by the country project team of Bhutan, the cohort consists of 50% female youth and 50% male youth, reflecting the programme’s commitment to gender balance and inclusive participation.
The Bhutan cohort brings together young agricultural professionals, farmers, and agripreneurs who will participate in the EYAAS modules to strengthen their knowledge, leadership, and practical skills in advancing agroecological and sustainable food systems.
EYAAS is a four-month long agroecology training initiative implemented by YPARD under the Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP), coordinated by FAO and IFAD, and financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The programme is designed to equip young people with agroecology knowledge, practical tools, and leadership competencies to support sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative agrifood systems.
Through the programme, fellows will gain knowledge on agroecology and its 13 principles, sustainable land management, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and evidence-based monitoring tools such as FAO’s Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE).
Participants will also engage in interactive online sessions, group discussions, and applied assignments, while developing context-specific action plans and innovative solutions that contribute to agroecological transformation in Bhutan’s agrifood systems.
Yonten Norbu serves as the Knowledge Management and Communication Officer for the GEF-8 project titled “Productive and Sustainable Food Systems in Bhutan for Environmental Benefits and Gross National Happiness.”
He is based at the Policy and Planning Division under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Yonten will participate in and represent the Project Management Unit (PMU) during the training programme.
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Tshodon is a farmer from Tokarey Village under Nanong Gewog, Pemagatshel Dzongkhag. She is passionate about agriculture and community development and is interested in participating in the GEF-8 project training programme.
Through the training, Tshodon hopes to strengthen her knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture and contribute positively to the development of her community.
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Ugyen Chophel is a farmer from lhuntsi with a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and rural development.
He is committed to improving his farming knowledge and skills to support better livelihoods and resilient food systems in his community. Ugyen looks forward to participating in the training programme and contributing to agroecological transformation initiatives in Bhutan.
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Karma Choki hails from the Resinang Village under Zobel Gewog. She is interested in participating in the GEF-8 project training programme to enhance her knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture and community development.
Karma is eager to learn and contribute positively to agroecological transformation initiatives in her community and beyond.
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Sonam Wangchuk is from Lhuentse and recently completed Class 12. He is passionate about learning new skills and continuously improving himself to prepare for future career opportunities.
Sonam is motivated, eager to grow personally and professionally, and interested in gaining knowledge that can contribute positively to his community and future aspirations.
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Wangchuk Lhamo is a hardworking and responsible individual who is passionate about learning and supporting others. She actively participates in educational and social activities to continuously improve her skills and knowledge. Known for being friendly, respectful, and dedicated, Wangchuk is committed to achieving her personal and professional goals.
She aspires to build a successful career and contribute positively to her community and society through her knowledge, skills, and service.
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Pema Lhamo is from Pemagatshel Dzongkhag and completed her Class 10 education at Yelchen Central School. She has five years of professional experience working at Six Senses, where she developed strong skills in teamwork, communication, and customer service.
Pema is a hardworking and responsible individual who is passionate about continuous learning and personal growth. Dedicated to delivering her best in every task, she takes pride in her background and remains committed to achieving greater success in the future.
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Sherab Zangpo is from Tshotsalu Village under Martshala Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag. He has experience in integrated commercial farming through the Land Use Certificate (LUC) programme, where he developed practical skills in piggery, fish farming, and fruit tree grafting, particularly orange cultivation.
Sherab also completed the DeSuung training programme at Pelrithang and contributed to several national service initiatives. In addition, he served under the Gyelsung Project, where he strengthened his leadership, teamwork, and discipline. He further worked for two years as an SLM Operator with a private company. Currently based in his village, Sherab supports his family in agricultural activities while continuing to build his personal and professional skills.
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Yeshi Choden is a high school graduate from Pangthangdaza Village under Zobel Gewog, Pemagatshel. Raised in a humble rural environment, Yeshi developed strong values of respect, discipline, and compassion. She is known for being hardworking, honest, and responsible in both her personal and professional life.
Committed to serving her community positively, she continues to contribute through dedication, sincerity, and a positive attitude toward life and work.
Thinley Jamtsho is a dedicated professional, community volunteer, and lifelong learner with a background in Bhutanese and Himalayan Studies from the College of Language and Culture Studies under the Royal University of Bhutan. He is a trained De-suung volunteer, having completed the 73rd De-suung Integrated Training Programme at Dechencholing in 2020. Thinley also specialized in CCTV Installation, Configuration, and Maintenance through the De-suung Skilling Programme. He contributed 160 days of service to the Omshari Landmark Project under the Office of De-suung and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, supporting community development and agricultural transformation initiatives.
The Empowering Youth for Agroecological Transformation in Agrifood Systems Programme (EYAAS) is an agroecology training initiative led by Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) under the Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP), coordinated by FAO and IFAD and financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
In its role of representing youth priorities within the FSIP, YPARD was actively involved in the co-creation of the EYAAS training modules, ensuring that the programme responds to the realities, aspirations, and opportunities facing young people in agrifood systems. The programme has been developed with the help of resources and technical tools like the FAO e-learning academy courses, the TAPE tool, and others and with expert guidance from FAO and IFAD. The delivery of the modules will be led and facilitated by YPARD.
Across many countries, young people are already engaged in agrifood systems but continue to face challenges including limited access to skills development, resources, and decision-making spaces. The FSIP therefore prioritizes meaningful youth engagement as a critical lever for achieving sustainable agrifood systems transformation. EYAAS directly contributes to these priorities by strengthening youth capacities in agroecological practices, sustainable value chains, evidence-based monitoring tools, and policy and governance engagement.
Following the delivery of the EYAAS modules in Bhutan, it is set to be launched in Costa Rica and Mexico, and participants from these two countries will be announced soon.
YPARD welcomes collaboration and engagement with other interested FSIP countries seeking to co-create or participate in future EYAAS cohorts and related youth-led agroecology initiatives.
Interested countries are invited to express their interest to Soma Chakrabarti, Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist at FAO, via Soma.Chakrabarti@fao.org. For any enquiries about the training, please email Ajuna Tadeo, Programme Coordinator, YPARD at tadeo.ajuna@ypard.net .
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