Youth-led Change in the Face of Climate Crisis
In southern Malawi, climate change has made rainy seasons increasingly unpredictable, creating major challenges for farming. This has led to widespread food insecurity, particularly among small-scale farmers and young people living in vulnerable conditions. But with support from IM’s partner Concerned Youth Organization (CYO), communities are now building resilience and reclaiming their right to food.
In the area of Traditional Authority Chikalema in Neno District, CYO is training rights holders – including youth, women, and persons with disabilities – in climate-smart agricultural practices. Participants also receive practical support in the form of irrigation equipment, including solar-powered water pumps, treadle pumps, watering cans, seeds, and tools.
The training is delivered in collaboration with Neno District Council and the company Sunrise Solar Solutions. The goal is for participants to grow food all year round, even when the rains fail – securing sustainable livelihoods and reducing hunger.
So far, 112 rights holders have been trained, including 75 women and 59 young people. Among them, 14 are persons with disabilities. The project clearly demonstrates how youth-led initiatives can build climate resilience and improve food security in vulnerable communities.
These efforts are part of the Sustainable Futures: Empowering Youth in Green Economy and Resilient Livelihood project, implemented by CYO in Blantyre and Neno with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through IM Swedish Development Partner Southern Africa.
Foto: Concerned Youth Organization
By: Malin Kihlström