Youth engagement crucial to curb impact of climate change on food systems, agroecology: Minister

Addis Ababa, October 14, 2024 (FBC) – The active engagement of youth is essential in the efforts to curb the severe impacts of climate change on food systems and agroecology in Africa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Assefa said.

The First Thousand African Youth Summit on Food Systems and Agroecology 2024 is underway in Addis Ababa with the theme “African Youth Showcasing Agroecological Opportunities in Adapting to the Climate Crisis to Address Food System Challenges in Africa.”

Opening the three-day summit today, Fitsum stated that Africa’s contribution to climate change is minimal but the consequences are severe especially on agriculture, food production, and food systems.

“Building resilient environment is instrumental as the youth of Africa are at the center of this movement and the architect of solutions,” she affirmed, as quoted by ENA.

Stating that agroecology provides comprehensive, environmentally friendly farming methods that value local knowledge, and protect bio-diversity, the minister further elaborated it is a pathway to greater food sovereignty, environmental protection and social equity.

Almost 80 percent of Ethiopia’s population is dependent on agriculture. As a result of this fact, the government of Ethiopia has developed various policies, strategies and interventions, Fisum affirmed.

Ethiopia has been undertaking various actions to curb the various consequences of climate change by implementing critical initiatives including the notable green legacy program.

For the Minister, Ethiopia, realizes the value of environmental restoration and sustainable agriculture practices. Accordingly, in recent years, the country has launched a nationwide green legacy initiative led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Citing that the green legacy initiative started in the summer of 2019 as an ambitious project, Fitsum said as of today, approximately 40 billion seedlings have been planted through this initiative.

Ethiopia’s forest coverage has increased from 17.2 percent to 23.6 percent which is one of the notable outcomes of the green legacy initiative which was launched in 2019.

The green legacy initiative is more than just planting trees, she said, adding it is also about instilling the culture of environmental responsibility and changing narratives.

Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) General Coordinator Million Belay said for his part that the summit aimed at creating the opportunity for African youth to discuss and work together for common goals.

The summit will be vital for African youth to discuss and propose solutions to the challenges of the continent and to have common understanding on common issues, he noted.