
The world food systems are at a crossroad, facing challenges such as climate change, malnutrition, and social inequality.
Youth innovation holds the key to transforming food systems, promoting human and planetary health and ensuring a sustainable future. We recognize the critical role young people play
in shaping a sustainable future, by creating a World for all Ages, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges. One key area where the youth innovation is transforming the
future is in food systems.
Meanwhile, the current food system is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution, compromising human and planetary health.
These is crucial for human health and planetary well-being, essentially for
sustainable development. Young innovators are developing solutions to
address pressing health issues, such as mental health, disease prevention, and access to healthcare. Similarly, they are tackling environmental challenges like climate change, sustainable energy and waste management.
YOUTH-LED INITIATIVE ARE REVOLUTIONIZING FOOD SYSTEMS THROUGH:
Sustainable Agriculture: Youth are driving sustainable agriculture initiative, promoting ecofriendly practice and conserving natural resources.
• They are adopting climate-resilient farming methods, reducing chemical
use, and enhancing biodiversity.
• Sustainable agriculture ensures food security, supports rural
development, and mitigates climate change.
URBAN FARMING: youth are revolutionizing urban farming, turning cities into productive food hubs.
• They are using innovative methods like hydroponics, aeroponics and
vertical farming to grow fresh produce.
• Urban farming increases food access, reduces transportation emissions
and enhances community engagement.
FOOD TECHNOLOGY: Youth are leveraging on technology to transform food systems, developing innovative solutions for production, processing andd istribution
• They are creating digital platforms for farm-to-table sales, using
precision agriculture, and developing alternative proteins.
• Food technology improves efficiency, reduces waste and makes healthy
food more accessible.
Youth-led innovative solutions for human health cannot go unnoticed as it provides the following;
NUTRITIOUS FOOD ACCESS: Youth are developing innovative solutions to
increase access to nutritious food, such as;
• Affordable community-support agriculture programs.
• Mobile markets and food trucks.
• Online platforms connecting consumers with local farmers.
These initiatives aim to reduce food deserts and improve health outcomes.
FOOD EDUCATION: Youth are leading food education initiatives, teaching …
• Cooking skills and meal planning.
• Nutrition and health eating habits.
• Food literacy and sustainability.
These programs empower individuals to make informed food choices and
develop healthy relationship with food.
➢ Food Recovery: Youth are pioneering food recovery solutions, including;
• Food rescue apps and platforms.
• Gleaning initiatives and food redistribution programs.
• Creative use for food waste, like upcycling and composting.
These efforts reduce food waste, support food security and promote sustainable food systems.
YOUTH INNOVATION ALSO LED TO PLANETARY HEALTH SOLUTIONS BY PERFORMING THE
FOLLOWING;
Regenerative Agriculture: Youth are driving regenerative agriculture initiatives, focusing on;
• Soil conservation and carbon sequestration(seclusion).
• Biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
• Agroecological practices and permaculture design.
Regenerative practices enhance ecosystem services, promotes climate
resilience, and support planetary health.
CIRCULATE FOOD SYSTEMS: Youth are pioneering circular food systems emphasizing;
• Food waste reduction and upcycling
• Close-loop production and consumption
• Biodegradable and compostable packaging.
Circular food system minimize waste, conserve resources, and mitigate
environmental impacts.
CLIMATE ACTION: Youth are leading climate initiatives including;
• Renewable energy-powered agriculture and food production.
• Climate-resilient agriculture and adaptation strategies.
• Carbon offsetting and emissions reduction programs.
Youth-led climate action promotes sustainable food systems, support
planetary health, and addresses the climate crisis.
Youth innovation can be empowered through the following areas;
• Education and training: Equipping young people with skills and knowledge in food systems ransformation.
• Funding and resources: Provide access to capital, mentorship and
networks for youth-led initiatives.
• Policy support: Encouraging policies that enable youth innovation in food systems transformation.
• Entrepreneurship and
INNOVATION: Young people be encouraged to explore entrepreneurial ventures, fostering innovations and job creation.
• Community engagement and
VOLUNTEERING: Youth be provided opportunities to engage in community services, developing empathy and
responsibility.
• Leadership development: Youth be offered training and platforms to
develop leadership skills with confidence and voice.
• Inclusive and accessible
OPPORTUNITY: To ensure young people have
equal access to resources, gender or ability.
• To encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• To become change-workers for human and planetary health.
The success story of youth innovation cannot be over-emphasized as it has
achieved some degree of success in the following areas, among which are;
VERTICAL FARMING IN URBAN AREAS
Insect-based protein production.
Community-based food hubs.
Clear water access and sanitation technologies.
Affordable prosthetics (cosmetic surgery) and assistive technologies.
SOME EXAMPLES OF YOUTH-LED INITIATIVES SUCCESS INCLUDE:
• Green Bronx Machine (USA): Empowering urban youth to grow fresh
produce in an undeserved community.
• The Kasiisi Project (Uganda): Supporting small holder farmers with
sustainable agriculture and resources.
• Food Cloud (Ireland): Developing a platform to reduce food waste by
connecting businesses with surplus food to charities.
A case study highlights examples of facts and figures, demonstrating the impacts of youth-led initiatives in transforming food systems, through increase food, food access, sustainable production and community engagement as follows;
Vertical Farming in Urban Areas Facts: About 30% increase in crop yields using vertical farming methods.
Figure: Over 50,000 pounds of produce harvested annually from a single
vertical farm.
IMPACT: Increase food access in urban areas, reduced transportation
emissions.
INSECT-BASED PROTEIN PRODUCTION FACTS:
About 90% reduction in water usage compared to traditional livestock farming Figure: About 10,000 metric tons of used-based protein produced
annually.
IMPACT: Sustainable protein source, reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Community-based food hubs
Facts: About 25% increase in local foods sales through community-based
food hubs.
Figure: About 500 farmers supported through community-based food
hubs.
IMPACT: Increased food access, improved farmers livelihoods and community engagements.
The above case study in youth innovation in food systems is driving transformative change, prioritizing human and planetary health; it showcases increase food access and community engagement.
Here are few quotations that support the case of cultivating a sustainable future by youth innovation in transforming food system for human and planetary health;
• “Youth have the power to shape the future of food and create a more sustainable world” – by UN Secretary-General Antonnio Guterres.
• “Youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and today they are already transforming the food system” – by QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General.
• “Innovation is the key to unlocking a sustainable food future and youth are the drivers of innovation” – by World Food Program.
• “The food system is broken, but youth can fix it” – by Chef Jamie Oliver.
• “Youth innovation in food system is crucial for achieving the sustainable development goal” – by SDG 2; Zero Hunger.
• “The future of food is not just about feeding people, its about nourishing the planet” – by Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever.
• “Sustainable food system requires innovative thinking and youth are the ones to bring fresh ideas to the table” – by Dr Agness Kalibata, President of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa.
THE BENEFIT FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DERIVED THROUGH YOUTH-LED INNOVATION AREAS FOLLOWS;;
❖ Improve health outcome and quality of life
❖ Sustainable economic growth
❖ Environmental protection and conservation
❖ Increase productivity and competitiveness
❖ Enhance national reputation and global influence In conclusion, as we celebrate International Youth Day, let us recognize the power of youth innovation in revolutionizing, and transforming food systems
for human and planetary health.
By supporting and empowering young people, we can activate and cultivate a sustainable future, ensuring equitable access to healthy food, mitigating climate change and promoting social justice.
“Youth is the seedbed of innovation, empowering youth to transform
food systems is empowering future, hence, the future of food is in the hand of the youth”
AMB., PROF. SIR EDWIN IGOCHE,Psc, EPA, JP, MP, FAIPA, FIAWPA, FHNR, FAIT, FJW,KJW, LL.M, LL. D