Lead for the AGRA Youth Delegation at COP29 Dr. Jeremiah Rogito is calling for increased investments in Africa’s young people so they are appropriately positioned to help tackle climate change.
He says Africa’s youth have shown they are determined to help fight climate change and possess the necessary resilience and creativity to do that. “African youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today,” said Dr. Rogito who is also the Specialist for Food Systems, Land Use, and Climate at AGRA.
“Through their innovative approaches to sustainable and climate-resilient food systems, these young leaders are setting a powerful example for the world. Now, more than ever, we must invest in their potential and amplify their voices to ensure a sustainable future for all,” he added.
He was speaking at a roundtable for African youth at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, hosted by AGRA. The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has been described as a pivotal opportunity to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis. With global temperatures hitting record highs and extreme weather events affecting people around the globe, COP29 has brought together leaders from governments, businesses, and civil society to advance concrete solutions to the defining issue of climate change. The conference is also a key moment for countries to present their updated national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, which are due by early 2025.
The young agripreneurs from across Africa spoke on their efforts to help ensure climate-resilient food systems transformation on the continent. They shared real-life examples of how they are adapting to changing climate conditions, such as using drought-resistant crop varieties, use of renewable energy, implementing water-saving irrigation techniques, and adopting agroforestry practices among others.
They observed climate change is the greatest threat to the planet, warning no one will be able to escape its consequences if the world does not unite to combat this phenomenon. “The planet without us will always be a planet, but we cannot exist without the planet,” said Marcia Manhica, the Vice President of the Association for Health and Rural Development in Mozambique.
Some of the youth also called for action from the conference to tackle the problem. “The 29th Conference of Parties to UNFCCC presents an opportunity for the international community and particularly Africa to design a climate finance mechanism that speaks to the very core of human existence which is food security,” said Dolphine Magero, Founder of Green Youth Climate Fund Initiative.
“COP 29 must deliver at least 10% of climate finance to youth led climate resilient initiatives and a grant-based climate finance goal that supports sustainable food systems through programmes such as Climate Friendly School Feeding Programme,” Magero added.
The youth also spoke about the 11 recommendations from the African Common Position on youth food systems and climate and the Kigali Declaration on Youth in Food Systems and Climate Action. These recommendations include investment in youth-centric food systems and climate policies, enhancing access to resources and funding for young farmers, strengthening capacity building and knowledge sharing, and promoting technological innovation in agriculture.
The other recommendations are facilitating inclusive and gender-equitable agricultural policies, acceleration of agro-industrial development and value chain integration, mobilization of youth as key actors in climate action, and collaboration and partnerships for youth empowerment initiatives. The rest are strengthening policy and advocacy frameworks with youth involvement, facilitating research and development to inform youth engagement, and increasing climate action finance for Africa.
