Youth on the Frontline: Empowering a New Generation of Climate Leaders

Youth on the Frontline: Empowering a New Generation of Climate Leaders

by | Sep 19, 2025 | Blog, News

Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our communities, especially farmers and rural populations. But what if the solution wasn’t just about adapting, but about empowering a new generation to lead the change? That’s the big idea behind the Youth Empowerment for Climate Change Solutions Project, a new collaboration between Development Aid from People to People Zimbabwe (DAPP Zimbabwe) and Development Aid from People to People Zimbabwe Malawi (DAPP Malawi). This project is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC) and is set to run from August 2025 to June 2027. NOREC is a Norwegian government agency that promotes global learning, understanding and development through the international exchange of personnel.

This exchange program aims to address the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related challenges by facilitating mutual learning between youth leaders from both Zimbabwe and Malawi. By equipping the youth with new skills, knowledge and methods in sustainable farming and climate adaptation and mitigation, the project seeks to strengthen the resilience of rural communities and empower youth as stewards of sustainable practices. Upon returning to Zimbabwe and Malawi, the participants will share their newly acquired expertise, with their organisations and communities, fostering a broader awareness and adaptation to climate change.

The project is being implemented in two phases, with the first phase ending in August 2026 and  this phase we are already seeing the exchange in action, with three youth leaders from Zimbabwe; Kelvin Guruve, Ross Phiri and Revealed Mashonganyika having gone to Malawi and while DAPP Zimbabwe welcomed Happy Makawa, Regina Saiwala and Faresi Friday.

Throughout the project, participants will engage in hands-on workshops, site visits, collaborative projects and leadership training that focus on practical skills and innovative solutions. They will develop essential skills in advocacy and community mobilization. Participants will attend workshops, visit farms and work together on projects that create tangible solutions. Together, they will co-design strategies to address the challenges faced by rural communities, fostering cross-cultural dialogue that encourages innovation and inspires meaningful change.

We are excited to embark on this journey and are eager to witness the profound impact these young agents of change will have. Together, we can create a brighter future for both our communities and our planet.

From Garden to Co-operative: Empowering smallholder farmers in Makoni, Zimbabwe

From Garden to Co-operative: Empowering smallholder farmers in Makoni, Zimbabwe

by | Sep 18, 2025 | Blog, News

In the heart of Manicaland province, our TC TB Makoni project is transforming the lives of smallholder farmers and their communities. What began as a simple initiative to strengthen the resilience of these farmers against climate change has evolved into a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable development.

One success story is that of Mabvazuva Garden in Mupoperi village where 50 dedicated group garden members both men and women have achieved a remarkable milestone. Covering 1.5 hectares, this community-driven initiative has been officially registered as a Savings and Credit Cooperative in Zimbabwe (Registration Number 9722) in Zimbabwe. This achievement emphasizes how collective action can drive sustainable change, foster economic growth and alleviate poverty.

The farmers are working together as a group, collectively purchasing inputs and selling their produce while sharing the profits equally. To promote the circulation of money and ensure the garden continues to thrive, the group decided to re-register as a cooperative.

Our journey with the Makoni community gardens began in 2020, when we established nutrition gardens for 500 beneficiaries living with HIV and TB. Building on this foundation, we partnered with Civil Society in Development (CISU) through UFF-Humana | Tøj der skaber udvikling from May 2023 to September 2024, equipping 200 farmers with the knowledge and tools needed for climate-smart agriculture. Our goal was to empower these farmers to adopt sustainable livelihoods, enhance food security, and protect the environment.

Today, the Mabvazuva Garden stands as a vibrant hub of agricultural innovation. It features a thriving orchard, a compost area, a productive fish pond and a variety of crops such as sugar beans, vegetables, carrots and tomatoes. The farmers have also ventured into beekeeping, fish farming and broiler chickens creating a sustainable rural business model.

The outstanding work at Mabvazuva Garden was recently recognized as the best model in the entire Makoni District, leading to a “look-and-learn” visit for other organizations. This story serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community collaborates. The Mabvazuva Garden is a symbol of resilience, innovation and the transformative power of collective action. We are incredibly proud to have been part of this journey.