IGAD Launches Regional Youth Coalition on Climate and Agri-Food Systems in Nairobi

Nairobi hosted the official launch of the IGAD Regional Youth Coalition on Climate and Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems on May 5, 2026, with Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs inaugurating the event. Jacobs described the coalition as an opportunity to harness the energy, hope and determination of young people to push systems and drive meaningful change.

He added that Africa holds the leverage of a youthful population, meaning that for the region and its countries to embrace meaningful change, they must leverage the creativity and potential of young people.

AllAfrica reported that Jacobs noted Kenya has a predominantly youthful population, positioning the continent uniquely to drive climate solutions if youth are prioritized. He appealed to young people to use the opportunity to make a difference in their communities.

IGAD Youth Envoy Sam Ogwal called the coalition a milestone initiative that places young people at the heart of climate resilience and development.

Ogwal stated that the IGAD region ranks among the most climate-vulnerable globally, with nearly 70 percent of its landmass arid or semi-arid. He explained that agriculture in the region remains largely rain-fed and serves as the backbone of economies. Climate shocks have displaced over 40 million people in the IGAD region in recent years, worsening food insecurity and livelihoods, Ogwal said.

The IGAD region consists of over 60 percent young people under 25, who are disproportionately affected by climate change yet serve as innovators, adopters of technology and powerful agents of change, according to Ogwal. He described the coalition as designed to mobilize young people, strengthen access to climate services, promote climate-resilient agri-food systems, support innovation and green entrepreneurship, and amplify youth voices in regional and global climate processes.

Ogwal stressed that collective action is essential, as no single institution can address climate challenges alone.

Charity Mumbua, a Food Security Specialist at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, said the IGAD region stands on the frontline of climate change impacts affecting food security, livelihoods and economic stability. She added that young people represent a powerful force for innovation, advocacy and transformation.

Mumbua noted the coalition brings together youth actors, institutions and partners to drive inclusive, climate-resilient and locally grounded solutions.

Dr. Abdi Fidar, Director of the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, stressed the need for improved climate prediction, technology adoption and capacity building in a region grappling with challenges like drought and floods. He said, 'We live in region, where we are either dealing with water scarcity or access to waterI came up from Mogadishu.

I came from Mogadishu last week. Fidar emphasized the urgent need to address the effects of climate shocks on young people and urged them to embrace technology and innovation to remain relevant in a rapidly changing global economy.