The YPARD Tanzania chapter was officially introduced on August 14th, 2024, during the East Africa Convening Conference. This landmark event took place at the Vizano Hotel in the Dodoma region and spanned three days, bringing together young minds passionate about driving change in the agricultural sector. The conference focused on empowering youth in climate policy and action, particularly in the realm of green job creation within food systems. The event was expertly facilitated by renowned leaders such as Richard Combat, Kofi Acquaye, and Kodiah, who brought their wealth of knowledge and experience to guide the participants through the intricacies of climate policy and sustainable agriculture.
The East Africa Convening Conference was not just a local event; it attracted a diverse group of youth from various regions across Tanzania, with over fifty young people from the Dodoma region alone. This diverse gathering of young professionals and aspiring leaders created a vibrant environment for learning, networking, and collaboration. The attendees, representing different youth groups, were united by a common goal: to contribute to the transformation of agriculture and to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
The highlight of the conference was the official introduction of the YPARD Tanzania chapter, a significant milestone for the country’s youth in agriculture. The event was opened by Mr. Selestine Focus, the Country Representative for YPARD Tanzania. In his opening remarks, Mr. Focus provided a comprehensive and insightful introduction to YPARD, its mission, and its global significance. He emphasized the importance of youth involvement in agriculture and the critical role they play in shaping the future of food systems in Tanzania and beyond. His presentation set the stage for an engaging discussion on how YPARD could serve as a platform for Tanzanian youth to connect, share knowledge, and take action.
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Following Mr. Focus’s introduction, the conference featured presentations from country representatives from neighboring East African nations. Ms. Jenice from Kenya, Daniel Kisekka and Ajuna Tadeo from Uganda, and Mr. Bisrat from Ethiopia each took the stage to share their experiences with YPARD in their respective countries. They discussed the challenges they faced, the successes they achieved, and the lessons learned along the way. These presentations provided valuable insights into how YPARD operates across the region and inspired the attendees with stories of resilience, innovation, and community impact.
The introduction of YPARD Tanzania has already sparked significant interest among young professionals in the agricultural sector. Since its launch, YPARD Tanzania has received over 50 new member applications, reflecting the enthusiasm and eagerness of Tanzanian youth to engage in this global network. The chapter is also in the process of establishing a team of esteemed leaders who will spearhead various initiatives. Numerous activities and projects are planned for the coming year, focusing on areas such as sustainable farming practices, climate-resilient agriculture, and the development of green jobs.
YPARD Tanzania is now at the center of a growing movement, with new members and partnership requests pouring in from various youth organizations focused on agriculture. These collaborations are expected to enhance the chapter’s capacity to drive positive change in Tanzania’s agricultural sector, making it more sustainable and inclusive. The engagement of new members and the formation of strategic partnerships are crucial steps toward achieving YPARD’s mission of empowering young professionals in agriculture.
The successful introduction of YPARD Tanzania at the East Africa Convening Conference marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s agricultural development. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, YPARD Tanzania is poised to become a leading force in promoting sustainable agriculture and creating green jobs for the youth. The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the participants at the conference are a testament to the potential of young professionals to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
As YPARD Tanzania continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of empowering young people in agriculture. The chapter’s leaders and members are excited about the opportunities ahead and are committed to working together to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for Tanzania’s agricultural sector.
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