Deadline: 22-May-2026
The IGAD Regional Youth Coalition on Climate and Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems is an initiative led by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. It is designed to strengthen youth engagement in climate action and sustainable agriculture across the IGAD region.
The coalition serves as a platform for youth-led organisations working on climate solutions, particularly in agriculture and food systems.
Purpose and Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen youth participation in climate action
- Support climate-resilient agri-food systems
- Promote youth-led innovation and advocacy
- Improve access to climate information and services
- Enhance collaboration among youth organisations
- Support scaling of youth-led climate solutions
- Build capacity in sustainable agriculture practices
- Address barriers to youth participation in climate initiatives
The focus is on empowering young people to lead climate transformation.
Key Thematic Areas
The coalition focuses on:
- Climate action and adaptation
- Climate-resilient agriculture and food systems
- Sustainable agricultural practices
- Climate-sensitive sector innovation
- Youth-led advocacy and policy engagement
- Access to climate information and services
- Capacity building and mentorship
- Business and enterprise development support
- Institutional strengthening and collaboration
The programme integrates climate, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
Key Challenges Addressed
The initiative responds to barriers faced by youth, including:
- Limited access to climate funding opportunities
- Lack of mentorship and technical guidance
- Insufficient business development support
- Weak institutional backing for youth-led projects
- Limited access to climate services and data
- Restricted opportunities for collaboration and scaling
The coalition is designed to close these gaps.
Core Activities and Support Offered
Members of the coalition will benefit from:
- Expert-led mentorship programmes
- Interactive learning sessions and workshops
- Knowledge-sharing platforms and resources
- Collaboration opportunities across countries
- Youth-led advocacy support
- Networking with climate and agriculture stakeholders
- Opportunities to scale successful initiatives
The focus is on capacity building and practical support.
Institutional Structure and Partnerships
The coalition is supported by:
- IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre
- Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
It operates as a regional platform connecting youth-led organisations across multiple countries within the IGAD region.
Expected Outcomes
The initiative aims to achieve:
- Stronger youth engagement in climate governance
- Increased adoption of climate-smart agriculture
- Enhanced visibility of youth-led climate solutions
- Improved access to climate information and services
- Greater collaboration among youth organisations
- Scaled impact of innovative climate initiatives
The programme supports long-term regional resilience.
Eligibility and Participation
The coalition is open to:
- Youth-led organisations
- Young climate innovators and entrepreneurs
- Groups working in agriculture and agri-food systems
- Climate-focused youth initiatives in IGAD member states
Participants should demonstrate active involvement in climate-related work.
Common Challenges in Participation
Youth initiatives often face:
- Limited funding and investment access
- Weak technical and institutional support
- Gaps in mentorship and guidance
- Challenges in scaling solutions regionally
- Limited visibility and networking opportunities
The coalition is designed to directly address these constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the IGAD Youth Coalition?
It is a regional platform supporting youth-led climate action and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Q2. Who supports the initiative?
It is led by IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre with support from AGRA.
Q3. What sectors are prioritized?
Climate action, agriculture, and climate-resilient food systems.
Q4. What support is provided?
Mentorship, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy opportunities.
Q5. Who can join?
Youth-led organisations and climate-focused youth initiatives in the IGAD region.
Q6. What challenges does it address?
Funding gaps, mentorship shortages, and lack of institutional support.
Q7. What is the main goal?
To strengthen youth leadership in climate-resilient agriculture and climate action.
Conclusion
The IGAD Regional Youth Coalition strengthens youth leadership in climate action by connecting young innovators, providing mentorship, and improving access to knowledge and collaboration. By addressing systemic barriers, it empowers youth-led organisations to scale impactful solutions in climate-resilient agriculture and broader climate adaptation efforts across the IGAD region.
For more information, visit ICPAC.