As climate change accelerates and forest ecosystems face mounting threats, the African Forest Forum (AFF), in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), is bringing together young changemakers for a transformative three-day National Youth Workshop in Mbalmayo, Cameroon, from June 11 to 13. The event, held under the theme “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry,” aims to equip young Africans with the tools, knowledge, and networks to drive climate-smart forestry and green innovation across the continent. In this exclusive interview, Prof. Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary and CEO of AFF, shares insights into the workshop’s objectives, why youth are central to Africa’s forestry future, and what participants—and stakeholders—can expect from this timely and action-oriented gathering. Read on…

AFF is organizing a National Youth Workshop in Mbalmayo from June 11–13. What inspired this initiative, and why is it being hosted in Mbalmayo in particular, and Cameroon this year? 

Prof. Labode Popoola: The National Youth Workshop in Mbalmayo, organized by the African Forest Forum (AFF) in partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), aims to empower youth as catalysts for sustainable forest management, conservation, and green economy innovation. Recognizing their passion, digital acumen, and connection to nature, the initiative seeks to equip young Africans with scientific knowledge, practical skills, and policy engagement tools to tackle deforestation and climate change.Cameroon was selected as this year’s host for its ecological diversity and leadership in Central African forestry, with Mbalmayo providing an ideal setting through its forestry institutions and vibrant community initiatives. Held at the National Forestry School, the workshop brings youth closer to the forest, the science, and the solutions—placing them at the center of transformative action.

The theme of the workshop is “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry.” What does this mean in practical terms, especially for young participants? 

Prof. Labode Popoola:In practical terms, the theme is about bridging the gap between knowledge and action. It means translating both scientific and indigenous knowledge on forests into concrete, youth-led initiatives that promote sustainability. The workshop aims to equip young people with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to manage and conserve forests effectively. It also fosters innovation and green entrepreneurship—encouraging youth to develop forest-based businesses and climate-smart solutions. Finally, it strengthens youth advocacy, ensuring that young voices are heard in policy spaces and forest-related decision-making processes.

How does the workshop plan to bridge the gap between scientific and indigenous forest knowledge and youth-led action

Prof. Labode Popoola: The workshop brings together scientific and indigenous knowledge by creating a space where both are respected and shared. Through expert presentations, practical field activities, and group work discussions, participants learn about forest ecology, climate-smart techniques, and traditional conservation practices. Young people are then supported to translate this combined knowledge into practical actions—such as starting forest-based businesses, leading advocacy efforts, digital campaigns or launching community projects. By blending theory with hands-on learning and local insights, the workshop equips youth to develop effective, locally relevant solutions for sustainable forestry.

The event promises a range of activities—keynotes, sketch mapping, field visits, peer learning. Could you walk us through what a typical day at the workshop will look like? 

Prof. Labode Popoola: The three-day youth workshop combines scientific learning with practical activities to empower young people in sustainable forest management. On day one, expert presentations cover key topics such as Africa’s forests, biodiversity, climate resilience, and green economy opportunities. Interactive sessions like sketch mapping and innovation brainstorming enable participants to identify local forest challenges and develop youth-led, technology-driven solutions based on scientific and community knowledge.

Day two brings participants into the field with visits to a youth-led forestry project, the ENEF demonstration site, and a tree planting activity alongside partners. They also learn about sustainable business models and grant opportunities before engaging in action planning to create viable project ideas. The final day centers on policy engagement, with debates and role-plays simulating decision-making processes to enhance youth advocacy skills. The workshop ends with the co-creation of a Youth Declaration on “The Role of Youth in the Green Transition,” outlining a national vision for youth-led forest action.

Why is it important to specifically target youth in forest conservation and green economy efforts in Africa? 

Prof. Labode Popoola: Africa is the world’s youngest continent. Projections by the United Nations show that by 2030, young Africans are expected to make up 42 percent of the world's youth and account for 75 percent of those under the age of 35. This group is four times larger than its European peers and can drive innovation and sustainability on the continent. Equipped with passion, digital savviness, and respect for nature, the youth are charting a path where their understanding of the earth's value, paired with a contemporary perspective, positions them as agents of change.

AFF is working in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute. How would these partnerships shape the content and delivery of the workshop? 

Prof. Labode Popoola:The collaboration between AFF, SLU, and KEFRI enriches the workshop by integrating diverse expertise and perspectives. AFF provides extensive regional knowledge on African forestry challenges and youth engagement, ensuring the program is firmly rooted in local realities and priorities. SLU contributes cutting-edge scientific research, advanced technical expertise, and innovative methodologies from a global academic perspective, enhancing the scientific rigor and overall quality of the sessions. KEFRI offers practical experience in forestry research, community engagement, and sustainable management within the Kenyan context, effectively bridging the gap between science and field application. Together, we have conducted studies to contextualize the specific challenges and opportunities facing African youth, resulting in a well-rounded program that blends knowledge with hands-on learning, fosters capacity building, and expands access to networks and policy platforms—ultimately empowering youth to lead sustainable forestry initiatives across Africa.

What role do you foresee for youth-led networks, associations, and entrepreneurs beyond the workshop? Are there plans for follow-up or continued engagement?

Prof. Labode Popoola: Youth-led networks, associations, and entrepreneurs are expected to play a crucial role beyond the workshop by sustaining its momentum and turning its outcomes into meaningful action. They will serve as ongoing platforms for peer learning, collaboration, and advocacy, enabling young people to exchange knowledge, co-create innovative solutions, and strengthen their voices in forestry and green economy spaces. To support continued engagement, they will be invited to join the AfricanYouth4Forests dynamic Community of Practice that facilitates experience sharing, progress tracking, and joint action. Follow-up activities such as webinars, advocacy campaigns, and engagement events will further deepen youth participation and foster lasting impact at local, national, and regional levels.

In your view, what impact can this workshop have on forest governance and climate action in Cameroon and across Africa? 

Prof. Labode Popoola: This workshop holds strong potential to impact forest governance and climate action in Cameroon and across Africa by positioning youth as key drivers of change. Through enhanced knowledge, skills development, and network-building, it will equip young people to actively participate in policy discussions, champion sustainable forest practices, and lead innovative, community-based responses to climate challenges.

How can interested stakeholders—government actors, NGOs, media, and the international community—support the outcomes of this youth engagement effort?

Prof. Labode Popoola: Stakeholders can play a key role in sustaining the impact of this youth initiative. Governments can support by integrating youth voices into policies and providing funding, mentorship, and inclusion in decision-making. NGOs and partners can offer technical support, visibility, and collaboration opportunities. The media can amplify youth voices and success stories, while the international community can contribute through partnerships, resources, and global recognition of youth efforts.

Finally, what message would you like to share with the young people selected to participate in this transformative workshop?

Prof. Labode Popoola: To the young leaders participating in this workshop: you are stepping into a powerful space of learning, collaboration, and action. Your voices, ideas, and energy are not only valuable—they are essential to shaping a more sustainable and just future. Use this opportunity to build lasting networks, challenge conventional thinking, and co-create solutions that reflect the realities and aspirations of your communities. The journey doesn’t end here—this is just the beginning of your leadership in forest governance and climate action across Africa.As African youth, your strength lies in both your numbers and your potential. Harness your collective energy to lead bold efforts in afforestation and reforestation within your regions. The future of Africa’s forests—and its resilience to climate change—rests in your hands.

NAIROBI, Kenya (PAMACC News) - Kenya is one of the African countries that are keen on implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) with a hope of reducing the greenhouse gas emission by 32% come the year 2030 compared to the business-as-usual scenario

The NDCs are the climate action plans and commitments by individual countries under the Paris Agreement on climate change. The main aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, while adapting to the impacts of the changing climatic conditions.

In Kenya, the NDC is extremely important because the country’s economy is deeply intertwined with climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and energy. Prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures have significantly affected crop production, food security, and livelihoods, particularly among the rural population.

“In this country, climate change is estimated to cost between 3% to 5% of GDP annually – this really hampers us and makes it difficult for the country to take the opportunity to give its citizens the services they require,” said Michael Okumu of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Climate Change Directorate during a workshop a UNDP in Nairobi.

So far, Kenya has developed several policies that will be instrumental in implementation of the NDC. The National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) III 2023 – 2027 for example, is the third five-year plan that presents the detailed priority actions that Kenya will embark on to address climate change in the medium-term planning period and contribute to the achievement of our NDC under the Paris Agreement.

According to President William Ruto, the government of Kenya is keen to continue implementing the Climate Change Act (No. 11 of 2016), which provides the framework for compliance with the Paris Agreement, and Kenya’s (2020) updated NDC.

“The Climate Change Act is central to our climate actions at both the national and county government levels,” said President Ruto in a statement. “It is important to note the progress made by county governments in the last five years in the enactment of county-level climate legislation that establishes Climate Change Funds and ward climate change committees, and provides for allocation of a minimum percentage of development budgets to finance locally-led climate actions,” he said.

The National Adaptation Plans (NAP) is another policy instrument that seeks to identify medium- and long-term adaptation needs, informed by the latest climate science.

Kenya’s NAP process objectives are to highlight the importance of adaptation and resilience building actions in development, and to integrate climate change adaptation into national and county level development planning and budgeting processes.

The process is also used to enhance the resilience of public and private sector investment in the national transformation, economic and social and pillars of Vision 2030 to climate shocks, to enhance synergies between adaptation and mitigation actions in order to attain a low carbon climate resilient economy, and as well to enhance resilience of vulnerable populations to climate shocks through adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies.

According to the UNDP, countries can utilize the NAP process and its outcomes to update and improve the adaptation elements of the NDC, which is a central part of the Paris Agreement.

Through Kenya’s NDC document which was submitted to the UN on 28^th December 2020, the country seeks to abate greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030.

The country also aims to ensure an enhanced resilience to climate change towards the attainment of Vision 2030 by mainstreaming climate change adaptation into the Medium-Term Plans (MTPs) and County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) and implementing adaptation actions.

Kenya is committed to enhancing its adaptation ambition by committing to bridging the implementation gaps which include enhance uptake of adaptation technology especially among women, youth and other vulnerable groups, while incorporating scientific and indigenous knowledge, as well as strengthening tools for adaptation monitoring, evaluation and learning at the national and county levels, including non-state actors.

The country also seeks to enhance generation, packaging and widespread uptake and use of climate information in decision making and planning across sectors and county level with robust early warning systems, and through exploring innovative livelihood strategies for enhancing climate resilience of local communities through financing of locally-led climate change actions.

However, according to Hillary Korir, of the National Treasury, Kenya, NDC is ambitious and will require significant amounts of funding.  So far, the country does not have a dedicated budget for climate change.

He noted that there was lack of unified approach for tracking & reporting of climate finance flows, and that there was need for capacity to originate and design innovate climate change related proposals.

PAMACC News - Hurricane Beryl’s trail of destruction in the Caribbean reinforces the need for the newly created loss and damage fund to be able to respond quickly to climate disasters.

It also highlights the importance of more effective long-term support for small countries on the frontline of the climate crisis, so they don’t spiral further into unsustainable levels of debt.

Like Africa, countries such as Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada have suffered tragic losses from the hurricane – the earliest Category 5 storm on record for the Atlantic.

While it’s too early to put a value on the destruction, a disaster like this has the potential to wipe out a significant portion of an individual country’s annual economic output.

At last year’s COP28 climate talks in Dubai world leaders celebrated the operational phase of the loss and damage fund, although the design is yet to be finalised. Beryl has given a visceral demonstration of why administrators must be nimble, providing easy access to support in the lead up to – and aftermath of – these kinds of disasters.

In Beryl’s case, official warnings issued a week ago predicted its path through parts of the Caribbean. In reality though, there needs to be a significant investment in long-term measures to help frontline communities prepare for these disasters.

International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) principal researcher, Ritu Bharadwaj, said: “Hurricane Beryl is a brutal example of what loss and damage looks like.

“The immediate damage bill will be immense, but there will also be a significant long-term economic cost because of the time it will take to rebuild. And we’re just at the start of this year’s hurricane season.

“Getting the design of the loss and damage fund right will be critical to anticipating and responding to these kinds of disasters in the future.

“The international community needs to ensure that Hurricane Beryl and future storms don’t compound the debt burden facing many small island states.”

IIED has advocated for several measures to ensure the loss and damage fund is nimble enough to respond to major climate disasters, including immediate help for affected communities along with support for longer-term resilience.

In May, the leaders of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) endorsed a plan aimed at alleviating crippling levels of debt while also building economic protections.

Part of the plan involves parametric insurance and pooling risk, so that individual countries are not overwhelmed each time a climate-related disaster strikes.

IIED has developed a toolkit to help measure the readiness of a country's existing social protection programmes to deliver climate resilience.

DAKAR, Senegal (PAMACC News) - Nearly 55 million people in West and Central Africa will struggle to feed themselves in the June-August 2024 lean season, according to the March 2024 Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis released by the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS).

This figure represents a four-million increase in the number of people who are food-insecure compared to the November 2023 forecast and highlights a fourfold increase over the last five years. The situation is particularly worrying in conflict-affected northern Mali, where an estimated 2,600 people are likely to experience catastrophic hunger (IPC/CH phase 5). The latest data also reveals a significant shift in the factors driving food insecurity in the region, beyond recurring conflicts.

Economic challenges such as currency devaluations, soaring inflation, stagnating production, and trade barriers have worsened the food crisis, affecting ordinary people across the region with Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Mali being among the worst affected.

Prices of major staple grains continue to rise across the region from 10 percent to more than 100 percent compared to the five-year average, driven by currency inflation, fuel and transport costs, ECOWAS sanctions, and restrictions on agropastoral product flows. Currency inflation is a major driver of price volatility in Ghana (23%), Nigeria (30%), Sierra Leone (54%), Liberia (10%), and The Gambia (16%).

West and Central Africa remain heavily dependent on imports to meet the population's food needs. Still, import bills continue to rise due to currency depreciation and high inflation, even as countries struggle with major fiscal constraints and macroeconomic challenges.

Cereal production for the 2023-2024 agricultural season shows a deficit of 12 million tons, while the per capita availability of cereals is down by two percent compared to the last agricultural season.

“The time to act is now. We need all partners to step up, engage, adopt and implement innovative programs to prevent the situation from getting out of control, while ensuring no one is left behind,” said Margot Vandervelden, WFP’s Acting Regional Director for Western Africa. “We need to invest more in resilience-building and longer-term solutions for the future of West Africa,” she added.

Malnutrition in West and Central Africa is alarmingly high, with 16.7 million children under five acutely malnourished and more than 2 out of 3 households unable to afford healthy diets.  In addition, 8 out of 10 children aged 6-23 months do not consume the minimum number of foods required for optimal growth and development.

High food prices, limited healthcare access, and inadequate diets primarily drive acute malnutrition in children under 5, adolescents, and pregnant women. In parts of northern Nigeria, the prevalence of acute malnutrition in women aged 15-49 years is as high as 31 percent.

"For children in the region to reach their full potential, we need to ensure that each girl and boy receives good nutrition and care, lives in a healthy and safe environment, and is given the right learning opportunities," said UNICEF Regional Director Gilles Fagninou. "Good nutrition in early life and childhood is the promise for a productive and educated workforce for tomorrow's society. To make a lasting difference in children's lives, we need to consider the situation of the child as a whole and strengthen education, health, water and sanitation, food, and social protection systems."

In response to increasingly growing needs, FAO, UNICEF, and WFP call on national governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to implement sustainable solutions that bolster food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and mitigate the adverse effects of economic volatility. Governments and the private sector need to collaborate to ensure that the fundamental human right to food is upheld for all.

In Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Niger, millions of people now benefit from national social protection programs supported by UNICEF and WFP. Both agencies are expanding their support to the Chad and Burkina Faso governments. Similarly, FAO, IFAD, and WFP have joined forces across the Sahel to increase productivity, availability, and access to nutritious food through resilience-building programs.

"To respond to the unprecedented food and nutrition insecurity, it is important to mobilize for the promotion and support of policies that can encourage the diversification of plant, animal, and aquatic production and the processing of local foods (through the provision of agricultural inputs, access to productive resources for all to stimulate increased production and improve product availability)" said FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Robert Guei.