Vote for the youth speakers submissions – Part 7

At the age of 13, I organized a lecture for my school about climate change. After that(at the age of 14)I was chosen as the Belgian representative on the international youth conference on climate change: Bright Green Youth in Denmark. There I had the chance to make the base for a international climate change agreement. But the world leaders at COP15 had no ear for our proposals. After that I organized a big sensibilitation action in the Belgian coast city Ostend where we built a wall with sand against the rising sea level. Nowadays I am 18 years old and as president of the Ostend Young Greens I want to make a difference in my own city. At your event I would like to speak about the importance to involve youth in the climate agreements and why the world leaders should give us a vote. I will quote personal experience and experiences of other youth. I will also put an end to the preconceived opinions of adults about youth.

I am a 34 year old youth working with a Youth Organization known as Kijabe Environment Volunteers (KENVO) for the past 6 year. I have schooled up to the college level and anticipate joining university soon. I lead my fellow youths in rehabilitation of forests and other natural resources around our area. The youth have had a chance to unleash their potential in Natural Resources Management at KENVO which is a youth led organization established 18 years ago. The organization deals with the Rehabilitation and restoration of the natural forests and other natural resources around the area while empowering the local communities on eco-friendly initiatives that improve their livelihoods. The youths have taken the lead in raising tree seedlings as an income generating activity while conserving the environment. A youth exchange program have also seen over 200 youths being educated and empowered to be global leaders with Environment, Health and Gender issues as key pillars. Other activities by the youths in the area are Eco-agriculture activities and Eco-tourism. The many youths act as mentors to others to expand the knowledge and skills within the society.

Olutayo is a graduate of English from the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. He was also trained at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Training School, Lagos, Nigeria. He was a part of the Virtual NGO Board Governance Program led by the USAID and Management Sciences for Health in 2009. He was a Youth advocate while presenting YOUTH ALIVE on Radio Kwara, Ilorin between 2003 and 2006, this culminated into a special edition that featured Jeanette Slootbeek of YOUTH INCENTIVES, the Netherlands in May, 2006. He has since been involved in the use of the social media to champion the cause for a change towards the climate and natural resources, few of his poems on nature has been published on his blog and he has performed also at ARTing for Climate Change in 2012 at the University of Lagos. His artistry has produced two books; a biography titled TRUE CALLING: LIFE AND TIMES OF REVD J.A OKESIJI, JP and an anthology published in English and Yoruba languages titled; THOUGHT PATTERNS: FUSION OF AGES. He is a performer poet along with a dramatist. Some of his writings have featured in the National Pilot, the Guardian and Punch newspapers while articles have been published on his writings as well as his personality in the Sun and Nigerian Tribune newspapers in Nigeria. DESCRIPTION OF THE TALK: The Use of Social Media in the Campaign for a Change The media has gone beyond mere use of the broadcast media at the moment, the social media is a viable tool in reaching out to millions of young people across the globe. The use of social media can be used in championing a change in attitude towards the climate and landscape. For example in Nigeria, we have seen the spread of rumours, news and others through the social media. Many lives have become mobile with gadgets as such they no more have the time for the broadcast media. It will gear up participants to generate topics of interest and get people committed to the climate change for a better world for the unborn generation.

I am a Ghanaian from an ancient historic town called Cape Coast. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Cape Coast where I am currently in my second year reading for my Master of Philosophy in History. I am excited about YPARD and would love to be part because I am passionate about agriculture. I combine my farming start-up business with my academic work. Getting educated youth in Ghana (Africa) to take up entrepreneurship in agriculture is a difficult task. The result is almost zero. However, considering the number of youngsters who complete the various tertiary institutions only to end up jobless for years, agriculture holds a key to the redemption countries in Africa seek from youth unemployment. I am 30 years of age and it has been my passion to pragmatically inspire my peers to go into agriculture and since I started my farm about nine months ago many former school mates have been consulting me on how they can start their own farms too. I have registered a company –GREC Initiatives Ltd– and an NGO –Dignity Africa International– which has been working on empowering youth to take up agribusiness in Ghana. My talk would thus focus on ideas for agribusiness.

When I was studying in primary school during 80’s in a remote village, people were used to cultivate three season crops(Rabi, Kharif, Zaid). Majority of people including ladies living in villages were busy in sowing, inter-culture operations, harvesting and threshing of crops. I had also started working in the field in non-school hours (Afternoon, early morning, night hours) while studying in middle school. Those days in rural areas no home work was offered by the school Masterji (Teacher). I was also used to help my parents in all agricultural operations including easiest (offering water and fodder to goats) to hardest (lopping of Khejri (Prosopis cineraria), wheat/barley irrigation in the night hours through check basin method in the extreme winter). All of us (Villagers) were celebrating Holi (Festival of colors), Deepawali, Makar Sankranti, Raksha Bandhan and other religious festivals. Even some people were entertaining the people by singing, dancing, playing etc. Villagers were also participating in the Fair. Majority of house holds were living in joint family. During those days there was no competition for purchasing physical goods or goods for luxury life. All the arrangements were made through co-operation and sharing the available resources. That was the life style till 1990 end. Later, with the passage of time ground water started declining. Consequently, we have to pump only few hours. Then most of people started collecting irrigation water in cemented pond and irrigating the field. By that time cultivation of cucumber, water melon, musk melon stopped due to non availability of water during hot summer. Farmers started purchasing sprinkler system to enhance water use efficiency. On the other side water level was declining at faster rate. By 1995 due to non-availability of water and deteriorating water quality all villagers stopped growing all irrigated crops. Due to declining water table and digging the well deeper and deeper, cost of production became unaffordable. Farmers stopped cultivating irrigated crops. At the outset of 2000, my colleagues and other youngsters’ started looking for job. And migrated to Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Nashik and other parts of the country in search of livelihood. I was fortunate. That time I got admission in IARI, New Delhi with fellowship, otherwise I might have dropped further study. This time, in the same village, people below 45 are working in different parts of the country and opted non-agricultural activity like tailoring, masoning, driving etc. Those who could not go far away from his family due to age old parents or other reason go for daily wages work in Jaipur. This time only rainy season crops are sown and harvested by the old family members (Above 50 years age). The joint families has become nuclear families. Marriage and party occasions are being managed by the caterer. Village Fair….. no more charm. Fair are sponsored by rich persons. No one talks about agriculture and related activities especially youth. Efforts has to be made by the government to promote youngster towards agriculture. My opinion and strategy will be shared in detail in the conference. Few of them are encouraging contract/co-operative farming, stop lucrative/free schemes offered by the government like subsidy, MNREGA. People need long term sustainable schemes for livelihood, not subsidized schemes. YOUNG WORLD COME ON……..FOR CHANGE

I studies Community Nutrition at the Faculty of Human Ecology, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia. I am a well-organized and outgoing Communication and Community Development student with good communication and analytical skills, looking to develop a career as a CD Worker within FAO. I want to tell the world about the potential of introducing agriculture to children. This I did in Aceh (the most western of Indonesia area), which has the potential of nature very much, but it is not used optimally. Agricultural land is only processed by the parents while their kids do not care and do not want to know to pass the ideals of their parents. This is what made me take the initiative to carry out development activities to youth interests and motivations of Aceh to love the world of agriculture. This activity consists 2 things, first taught the correct procedures and modern farming (introduction on how to plant vegetables, the introduction of agricultural techniques and others), soft skill development both in terms of basic sciences such as mathematics, reading, and negotiation techniques. This event was attended by children and adolescents aged 6-15 years for 1 month.

As a country in the heart of the Sahel, Burkina Faso, has an economy which is based on agriculture. So that this agriculture be able to produce good yields, it is necessary that young people to invest themselves fully. With the problem of unemployment nowadays, agriculture can absorb a large part of the youth. The Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA) is located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. It is in this institute I am working since 2010. I coach training of small famers in the country. I am also the president of the Students Selection and Seed Conservation (ESCS) of the University of Ouagadougou, Honor President of agricultural association TEEGA WENDE Tabtenga of the Province of Oubritenga (Ziniaré). I am also one of the trainers of agricultural groups and young people in many provinces of our country and member Regional Union of Agricultural Organizations youth East (UROPAJE). We are in direct contact with farmers and youth groups in all regions of Burkina Faso. We are working to provide quality seeds and follow them with practical training, advice and support them at times. Also, agriculture is a physical activity, it should be practice in large by young people if we want to obtain excellent results. That’s why we’re given as some objectives: like that -Encourage students to engage in agriculture, the basis of the development of our country -Provide support to young people who want to work in agriculture -Supervise youth through training and follow them in their achievements In short the following are some examples of activities I have done: Work and Training with young farmers, women and girls in the project’s economic and rural development: CIAT PABRA (dry beans), ICRISAT TL II (peanut), HELVETAS (Sesame)…

I am a 33 year old male Ugandan MBA, CPA, B.A(SS-Economics Major). I have been in the development industry since 2005 after graduating from Makerere University, Kampala. Youth practice some economic activity; agriculture (above 90% for rural youth in Uganda). The previous generation was generous enough to leave some land for the current youth to inherit. In some cases, landless youth rent land for subsistence agriculture. In order to help them, we have to work with what they already do, and have acquired substantial experience in. They are more likely to accept improvement to what they do, than accept an entirely new economic activity. The rural youth involved in agriculture do not necessarily know that they can do what they do and do it more efficiently. This is a skill they can best learn by seeing. We should give youth access to demonstration venues for the activities of their own interest. In this way, the youth simply improves on what is already in existence. Thereafter, we provide the requisite material items, where the individual is financially incapable of providing, to ensure that best practice acquired is put into use.

Fale Lesa is a 23 year old champion for small island developing states in the Pacific. He resides on the island paradise of Samoa, home to only several thousand people, all at the mercy of the seas that surround them, and on the short supply of land for food and shelter. Nature has been cruel to small islands like Samoa, recently battered by a tsunami, a cyclone, and regular flooding. Fale rallies young people behind volunteer efforts post-disaster, and speaks to schools and villages to design action plans in the event of another natural disaster. He has been presented with awards and honours by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Diamond Jubilee, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they were visiting the Solomon Islands last year, and Kofi Annan (former Secretary General of the UN), as well as Helen Clark (administrator of the UNDP). He will speak towards youth citizenship and how it interrelates with environmental priorities, and community mobilisation at the darkest hours (when natural disasters strike). He will also talk towards entire graveyards in Samoa that are now engulfed in seawater because of seawater rising and its affect on loved ones who’s ancestors may never be recovered. Fale has more than eight years of experience in community and youth development, he mentors young farmers and the children of farmers and delivers free training for sustainable practices on the farm like recycling and ‘composting for dummies.’ He also organises field trips into town every Saturday for the children in rural areas who have only ever heard of the capital city (the only township on the island). This now has funding from central government who provide a free bus for the occasion/lunchboxes for the children. He is a fantastic speaker and comes highly recommended by his colleagues!

Raymond Erick Zvavanyange is a seasoned young agriculturalist with 5 years work experience. He started his career in Mozambique; joined the Government of Zimbabwe agriculture extension services in 2008 and rose through the ranks to work at national level in 2010 as a dairy specialist. His current responsibilities involve working with small holder dairy farmers in Zimbabwe. Raymond has written widely technical and non-technical articles in extension, sustainable agriculture, ruminant nutrition, and agricultural research for development published online and off-line in Africa and U.S.A. Raymond (28) holds a B.S. degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources (2007) from Africa University of Zimbabwe. He is currently studying for a M.S. degree with National Chung Hsing University of Taiwan. “To be a person is to have a story to tell”, says Isak Dinesen. The interactions via relationships connect the people and form the basis to realize common goals and dreams. The current era witnesses youths connecting using internet-based technologies (e.g. Skype, Face book and Google+) and telecommunications devices (e.g. mobile phones). Young people possess the ability and skills to succeed in any discipline (agricultural sciences and its business components), and life, when there is clarity of one’s purpose in life. More than ever, the importance of a systematic course of any education (e.g. academic, professional and vocational) is widely recognized as key to young people’s empowerment. Youths are increasingly forming actions groups both at grassroots level and in virtual spaces with significant success (i.e. resource mobilization through lobbying and advocacy, action groups, new forms of governance and improved learning cycles). For example, in order for Africa to continuously transform itself, youths ought to invest time studying Africa’s agricultural history, the constraints the continent faces, the advances made across agricultural disciplines, and its growing pool of expertise. The era of processes gives youths a competitive lead when youths connect the dots as they seek to become the next frontier in agriculture. IN MORE DETAIL: CONCEPT OF YOUTH AND AGRICULTURE: THE NEXT FRONTIER “Africa now needs desperately to redesign its self-image, create an environment of peace and stability and plan a new science-led future appropriate to its culture, needs and aspirations. In essence, it must become Africa-centered” -Thomas R.Odhiambo, 1993- Africa is faced with two choices concerning its young population: (i) To reform to engage youths in the development movement. (ii)To say no to the transformation wagon traversing continents. African agriculture plays a significant role in its rural population’s livelihoods for whom the majority are older. For sub-Saharan Africa, this contribution is increasingly threatened by the complexity of problems such as the effects of climate change and variability (a 4oC+ world), fluctuations in food prices, access to markets, and socio-political dynamics of farming communities. Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation notes that in their work “their concern is not only about farming; it applies to all areas of global development and global health”. A large number of the challenges in agriculture and farming that will need to be resolved by 2050 will need to be met by today’s youth (young people) – the next frontier. Globally, the resolve to prepare the young generation for future challenges is increasingly becoming visible. In a statement by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva at the Innovative Ideas to Feed the World organised by FAO interns, he noted that “the event brought together three important ideas: young professionals-innovative ideas-feeding the world. The three ideas that are not always connected and that the biggest contribution young professionals can give are to bring them together”. Harvard based professor, Calestous Juma in his McGrill Honorary Doctoral Address, A Plea for Agricultural Innovation asserts that “addressing today’s challenges require a more balanced view that must be guided by evidence. But more importantly, it requires an optimistic outlook that recognizes the power of human creativity in responding to global challenges”. In these statements, youths have a role to play in a science-based evidence field. The late eminent scientist, Thomas Risley Odhiambo in his paper, “The role of science in the development of Africa”, noted “there is a need on opening young minds to new ideas and images, rather than on the accumulation of facts and information”. Therefore, a young person needs extensive knowledge and skills to be able to engage effectively in Africa’s agricultural transformation both with the public and the clientele. The first generation of African agriculturalists has by and large retired, and their successors-what might be called the second generation of researchers and their teachers-have become demoralized by poor conditions of service and the low return rate from overseas of many young academics. It is refreshing then to note of efforts to halt the brain drain of Africa’s young scientists, a case in point of Ghana’s young scientist Michael Osei who is carrying out research to address Africa’s pressing needs. Michael Osei works in his home country albeit with a network of research associates from abroad. Therefore, youths are compelled to pick their niche in home countries and draw from the abundant options that now exist offered by development institutions. Very often, the emphasis by elders on young people is haphazard when it comes to the importance of academic and professional training (at home or abroad) in fields of their choice early in life for them to be useful to the community. Institutionally, there are different co-ordinated mentoring programs within education, skills training and leadership such as Agriculture, Rural Development and Youth in the Information Society coordinated by the Technical Center for Rural and Agricultural Cooperation; Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network; UniBrain of the Forum for Agricultural Research; Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and The African Women in Agricultural Research for Development. These efforts to involve women and youth have a brighter future; however there is lots of work to be done at individual level- the level of the young person regardless of age. Mentoring is coaching, teaching and training. Mentoring shortens learning curves within careers, facilitates networking, and boosts the confidence of young people. In fact, young agricultural scientist and researcher of the future need four characteristics: trans-disciplinarian, scientist/innovator-entrepreneur/dealer in complexity and an internationalist to meet present challenges. These are characteristics to be found in either gender. Improved access to scholarships, grants, fellowships have increased opportunities for women at Master and PhD levels. However, the challenge remains that of a low quota of foreign trained graduates returning to work in home countries. In my conversation with a recent graduate under the RUFORUM training program, Miss Rumbidzai Matemba-Mutasa of Zimbabwe who earned her Master degree in Research Methods from Kenya, she highlighted the immense benefit of acquiring higher education and emphasized her determination to study for a PhD degree. Rumbidzai completed her undergraduate degree at Africa University of Zimbabwe, a year after my graduation in 2008. She attributes her success to the training and opportunities she took along the way. Recently, she broke new ground with a paid working position in Zimbabwe at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. Through stories such as Rumbidzai’s many women and young people can find inspiration to contribute to Africa’s agriculture transformation. Conclusions: • The interactions via relationships connect the people and form the basis to realize common goals and dreams. • The current era witnesses youths connecting using internet-based technologies (e.g. Skype, Face book and Google+) and telecommunications devices (e.g. mobile phones). • Young people possess the ability and skills to succeed in any discipline (agricultural sciences and its business components), and life, when there is clarity of one’s purpose in life. • More than ever, the importance of a systematic course of any education (e.g. academic, professional and vocational) is widely recognized as key to young people’s empowerment. • Youths are increasingly forming actions groups both at grassroots level and in virtual spaces with significant success (i.e. resource mobilization through lobbying and advocacy, action groups, new forms of governance and improved learning cycles). • For example, in order for Africa to continuously transform itself, youths ought to invest time studying Africa’s agricultural history, the constraints the continent faces, the advances made across agricultural disciplines, and its growing pool of expertise. • The era of processes gives youths a competitive lead when youths connect the dots as they seek to become the next frontier in agriculture.

I am a young, dynamic and exceptionally excellent journalist and social worker based in Lagos-Nigeria. I am a Radio-Host, TV Reporter, Blogger and Creative Communicator. With professionalism and experience he anchors couple of interesting socio-economic and development Radio Programmes which have over the years impacted the lifestyle and lives of many listeners particularly the youths. I am an advocate of a greener, more-friendly and sustainable world. One of my radio programmes tagged “The Environment” has in the past three years highlighted on issues of climate change, global warming, sustainable development, agriculture amongst other environmental issues. I have successfully reported major national and international environmental conferences like the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio De Janiro, 2011, Let’s Do It African Conference, Republic of Benin-2012, amongst others. Locally, I have also partnered and participated in various community clean-ups, environmental campaigns, advocacy and awareness projects, like Waste-To-Wealth, Clean-Up Mushin, Oshodi, Isolo, Ajegunle, etc. As a “Thought Leader”, I am a voice to reckon with in youth advocacy and environmental works. I will be speaking on the importance of both the new and traditional media in advancing environmental issues especially in developing world.

Gibson has established himself as part of the next generation of relevant Youth Speakers. Gibson grew up in a third world country (Liberia) and has a strong indigenous orientation. He has had experiences working as Child Broadcaster, Students’ Leader, Peer Adviser, Adult Literacy Instructor, Community Service Worker, and presently he is the Executive Director of a non profitable youth-based organization “Humanity And Knowledge Conveyance Association”. He recently presented his senior thesis research on the topic: ‘Traditional Knowledge in Sustainable Development & Resources Management in Liberia’ and is expected to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in December 2013. He made a significant contribution on Team Climate Change at the Millennium Youth Camp 2013 with his vision of a better world. Gibson believes in a world where everybody is somebody regardless of race, creed, sex, etc. He is 19 years of age, and lives in Monrovia, Liberia-West Africa with his both parents and siblings. Gibson is a vibrant ‘thought leader’ and can speak on the topic: Sustainable Environmental Development; esp. with his knowledge of the local environment, nature, indigenous values, etc.

Okwir Denis is a young dynamic of age 29, creative and committed Ugandan, NGO/CBO and community organizer, multi-skilled, self-motivated professional with well-developed, proven leadership and management abilities. Founder and Managing Director of FARM YOUTH FOR LIFE UGANDA(YFLU), and OGUR FOOD BAG member of Yard Africa. H is committed to Capacity Building of organizations through participatory facilitation of Process, Organizational and Institutional Development, Awareness, and Management experience in rural development and participatory community based development using adult learning and training techniques. He holds a Degree in Social works and Social Administration, Diploma in Human Resource management, Certificate in Project Planning and Management, Public Administration and Management and Certificate in Green Business Training. DESCRIPTION OF TALK Tree planting and fruit growing is key factor to improve the livelihood of youth who have dropout of primary and secondary schools. The self help group and our field officer to touch the real beneficiaries. Given the fact that Lands are present (available), willingness of youth to participate in the activities and farmers groups, Companies and institution are ready to purchase our seedling from the demonstration farm and the out growing seedling are taken to the major garden for planting. These make the project viable and feasible in our mapped area of operation. These make the environment green in northern Uganda to avoid the long drought. Youth who are formed into village saving and loan association strengthens the youth, promotes unity, team work and saving culture which helps in tapping loans from financial institution. 25 associations formed from the two rounds of trainings of three months from our Demonstration Farm and each will be given 10 seedlings of each spices to go and replicated in their garden.

Sai Kishore has been the Executive Director of VEDA Climate Change Solutions (VCCSL) & Socio-eCO2nomix-Global since 2011. He has over 20 years of experience in different managerial roles across various sectors. Mr. Sai Kishore is the Project Director for the “Improving Rural Livelihoods through Carbon Sequestration by adopting Environment Friendly Technology based Agroforestry practices” UNFCCC CDM A/R Large Scale project that has for the first time in India released carbon revenue to participating farmers.

Improving Rural Livelihoods (IRL), India
IRL is one of the 17 projects that generated CERs in the CDM A/R sector in the world; with the success of the pilot project VCCSL launched SeG as a enviro-social enterprise to scale up the project. However, SeG had resource constraints to undertake the replication effort and to turn challenges into opportunity we started engaging with students in GITAM University who were part of a youth network Students for Free Enterprise (SIFE) where the project idea and social relevance were shared with students in multiple sessions.

The students then interact with local NGOs/CBOs and are actively involved in creating awareness among the local farmers to plant and grow trees in the degraded lands owned by them which were hitherto barren or in some cases under subsistence agriculture. The project at present has been able to engage more than 1,000 farmers who have given their consent to plant trees in degraded lands.