Objectives of the programme

• 1. To influence involving youth in Agriculture and livestock Production
• 2. To increase the involvement of youth in environmental conservation and natural resource management.
• 3. To involve the youth in climate change and mitigation.
• 4. To promote the adaptation of new technologies and biotechnology.

Description of the programme

Almost 80% of Kenyans rely on agriculture and it contributes to the GDP growth and support to other sectors of the Kenyan economy. The youth have been having perennial dislike for agriculture as a means of livelihood and income generating activity. In the rural areas the youth are moving to towns to seek white collar employment, hence increasing urbanization. This has led to economic and financial strain of services provision in towns. Most rural farmers are the elderly and the aged; hence the energetic population of young people doesn’t get involved, hence low food production and food insecurity for the country.

The programme will aim to involve the youth to participate more in agriculture and livestock production using modern methods and technologies of production. New paradigms and perspectives will be introduced to the youth to change their mindset and perception towards agriculture as a viable tool for employment and wealth creation.

The current global warming and climate change requires the participation of the young people for sustainable generations. The main focus will be on environmental conservation, better land use management, climate change mitigation and adaptation of new technologies.

The programme will also cover policy reform and orientation towards sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, agribusiness modeling and employment creation through agriculture.

Activities

• 1. Mobilization of youth groups to engage in ecological and environmental conservation.
• 2. Encourage youth participation in Agri-business.
• 3. Promote youth participation in leadership in Famers Associations, Co-operatives and Marketing Companies.
• 4. Enhance adoption of improved methods and technology in agriculture.
• 5. Mitigation of the effects of climate change.

Achievements of the Programme

• 1. Participated in several environmental conferences and exhibitions conducted by UNEP, Kenya Young Greens (KYG), NEMA, World  Vision Kenya (WVI), Farm Concern International (FCI), World Agro-Forestry Centre (ICRAF), National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), etc
• 2. Conducted research on water harvesting Mechanisms in the ASAL regions with International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in 2015
• 3. Conducted research on drought resistant crops with World Agro-Forestry Centre (ICRAF) in 2014
• 4. Conducted survey on environmental issues for WSSD/UNEP with support of Centre for Research on Urban Management and Human Settlements (CREUMHS) in 2003-2004
• 5. Participated in various UN-HABITAT and UNEP events on environment, urban development and conferences, exhibitions and youth events
• 6. Participated in several land policy formulation processes conducted by The Ministry of Lands, NGOs, Kenya Land Alliance (KLA) and the Land Governance Institute etc
• 7. YPD has been a committee member of the National steering committee of Kenya      Water Partnership since 2003. The major activities undertaken are developing   position papers, organizing stakeholders consultation workshops, awareness creation workshops, IWRM training and capacity building. The region of focus has been the 2 Water Service Boards (WSB) and Water Management Authorities in the Lower Eastern region i.e. Athi and Tana Water Resource Management Authorities (WRMA).
• 8. Participated at several workshops organized by the Ministry of Roads, Infrastructure and Urban Development in 2013-2017.
• 9. Participated at several workshops organized by the Ministry of Lands and Housing in 2005-2017.

Partners

• 1. World Vision Kenya (WVK)
• 2. UN-HABITAT
• 3. UNEP
• 4. Kenya Water Partnership (KWP)
• 5. Kenya Land Alliance (KLA)
• 6. The Ministry of Lands and housing
• 7. World Agro-Forestry Centre (ICRAF)
• 8. Kenya Young Greens (KYG)
• 9. Centre Research on Urban Management and Human Settlements (CREUMHS)
• 10. Ministry of Roads, Infrastructure and Urban Development
• 11. International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Potential Partners

• 1. Farm Africa


• 2. UNEP-GEF
• 3. National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
• 4. World  Vision Kenya (WVI)
• 5. Farm Concern International (FCI)
• 6. National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) etc