The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) has announced the Thousand African Youth Summit on Food Systems and Agroecology 2024, which will take place this week in Addis Ababa. Over 250 young people will gather in person, with more than 2,000 young leaders joining virtually, to explore agroecological solutions and lead Africa’s response to the climate crisis.
Dr. Million Belay, AFSA General Coordinator, remarked on the critical timing of this summit. He said, “The Thousand African Youth Summit is not just an event; it is a movement that empowers African youth to develop and share solutions for building climate-resilient food systems. It’s an opportunity for young leaders to take center stage in shaping our food and climate future.”
The summit is themed, African Youth Showcasing Agroecological Opportunities to Adapt to the Climate Crisis. It comes at a crucial time when Africa is grappling with two competing narratives to feeding its people, adapting to climate change, and restoring biodiversity. The dominant narrative pushes for an industrial food system, which is a major driver of the very crisis it claims to solve. In contrast, agroecology offers a sustainable solution that builds resilience, protects biodiversity, and strengthens food systems.
In response to these challenges, AFSA is committed to empowering young Africans – who make up the majority of the continent’s population – to take direct action through agroecology.
The summit will feature a line-up of thematic sessions, presentations, workshops, and interactive discussions. The thematic areas are:
Approaches to minimise conflicts through agroecology
Focusing on reducing conflicts related to climate-induced migration, land, and seeds through agroecological practices. Discussions will highlight how African youth can contribute to minimizing these conflicts while ensuring food system resilience.
Agroecological entrepreneurship in a climate crisis
Unlocking sustainable economic opportunities for youth in agroecology, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring healthy food value chains. Breakout sessions will focus on financing mechanisms, territorial markets, and the role of digitalisation.
Technological innovations for adaptation through agroecology
Exploring the role of youth-led appropriate technological innovations in enhancing climate adaptation, while assessing the risks of harmful technologies. Participants will also discuss supportive policies and community engagement for advancing agroecological innovations.
Biodiversity conservation and Indigenous knowledge
Leveraging indigenous knowledge and practices to promote sustainable food systems and build resilience to climate challenges. Discussions will focus on the synergies between traditional and modern knowledge, and the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Simon Bukenya, AFSA Program Officer and Youth Platform Secretariat Coordinator, shared insights into the summit’s structure and intended outcomes. He said, “Over three days, participants will engage in key thematic sessions, interactive workshops, and practical knowledge exchange, with a focus on actionable outcomes. Our goal is to establish a strong, pan-African youth network for agroecology, capable of influencing national policies and creating tangible change.”
Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes at Health of Mother Earth Foundation, emphasised the focus on action and tangible outcomes, explaining why strategic and impactful campaigning is crucial to changing perceptions about African foods and driving agroecological transformations across the continent. She said, “A ‘Summit of Solutions’ means we’re moving beyond discussions to real, on-the-ground actions that bring meaningful change. This summit will equip youth with practical skills, foster networking and collaboration, and provide the tools they need to make a difference in their communities.”