African Youth Empowered to Lead Forest Conservation through AY4F Initiative
The African Forest Forum (AFF), in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), has launched the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) Community of Practice an innovative platform designed to equip young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to drive sustainable forest management across Africa.
AY4F aims to bridge Africa’s vast forestry potential with its vibrant youth, recognizing that the continent’s future is intrinsically tied to the conservation of its forests. Through science-based communication and strategic networking, the initiative seeks to transform young Africans’ environmental aspirations into tangible action.
The project, primarily focusing on Kenya and Cameroon, will leverage digital media, workshops, web-based discussion forums, and international conferences to engage and educate young participants across the continent.
A key component of AY4F is fostering dialogue between youth and the research community to explore both the challenges and opportunities within the forestry sector.The initiative is supported by a Youth Advisory Council (YAC), ensuring that young people’s perspectives and ideas shape the discourse on sustainable forestry practices.
The AY4F Community of Practice will serve as a collaborative hub for knowledge exchange, best practice sharing, and the co-creation of innovative solutions for forest conservation, climate resilience, and green economy development.
To kickstart its activities, AY4F will host virtual discussions from March 31 to April 11, 2025. The first week will feature interactive chat discussions, followed by live webinars in the second week. The sessions, held on Howspace, will take place daily from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Nairobi Time (09:00 AM – 11:00 AM GMT).
Prof. Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary-CEO of AFF, highlighted the initiative’s significance, stating: “We recognize the critical role that young people play in shaping the future of Africa’s forests. By providing a dynamic and inclusive space for engagement, we are fostering the next generation of forestry leaders.”
Dr. Jane Njuguna, CEO of KEFRI, emphasized the importance of youth involvement in environmental conservation, noting, “We are proud to collaborate on this initiative, which empowers youth to take an active role in the sustainable management of our forests.”
Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global, echoed these sentiments, adding: “Africa’s youth is pivotal in re-thinking sustainable forest management. Recognizing their potential and working alongside young professionals will drive climate resilience and unlock green economy opportunities.”
The AY4F initiative aligns with AFF’s broader mission to promote sustainable forest management while ensuring that Africa’s forests continue to provide critical ecological, social, and economic benefits.
Through mentorship programs, research collaborations, networking opportunities, and policy dialogues, AY4F seeks to amplify youth participation in forestry and environmental governance.
Young changemakers, students, educators, scientists, policymakers, and environmental activists are encouraged to join the AY4F Community of Practice and contribute to shaping a greener and more sustainable Africa.
For more information or to become part of the AY4F Community of Practice, visit: www.afforum.org.
