The Programme is implemented by GIZ in collaboration with Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Kenya, and African Green Store Network (AGSN)

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1. Supporting youth-led community solutions projects

WYNA supports six Fellows and Interns to design and implement Community Solutions Projects that respond to specific local needs in agroecology and organic agriculture. These initiatives provide opportunities for young people and women to apply their knowledge, test innovative ideas, and develop practical solutions that benefit their communities. Through project implementation, participants strengthen their leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and ability to contribute to sustainable livelihoods and climate-resilient food systems. The impact extends beyond the individual Fellows and Interns. By engaging community members, sharing practical knowledge, and documenting experiences and success stories, the projects encourage peer learning, inspire other young people, and demonstrate how locally driven initiatives can contribute to wider community development.

2. Strengthening women’s leadership and youth entrepreneurship through AWOLA and YALTA

WYNA builds on existing initiatives to strengthen women’s leadership and youth entrepreneurship in agroecology and organic agriculture, including PELUM Kenya’s African Women Leaders in Agroecology (AWOLA) and the Youth in Agroecology Business Learning Track (YALTA). Through AWOLA, women leaders are supported to build their leadership capacities, strengthen their networks, and increase their participation in agroecology and organic agriculture. Through YALTA, young people are supported to explore business opportunities, develop entrepreneurial skills, and strengthen connections within the agricultural value chain. The programme also promotes business linkages and partnerships between young agroecology entrepreneurs and key sector actors, including banks, savings and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs), cooperatives, and development partners. These connections help participants explore opportunities for collaboration, enterprise development, and access to relevant support services.

3. Expanding learning, networking, and practical exposure

WYNA creates opportunities for participants to learn, exchange knowledge, and build connections through online and hybrid training sessions, peer-to-peer learning, exhibitions, farm visits, and networking events. Training sessions cover topics related to agroecology and organic agriculture, with an emphasis on practical knowledge, collaboration, and co-creation.

Farm visits provide opportunities for participants to learn directly from practitioners, observe agroecological practices, and exchange experiences. Meanwhile, exhibitions and events, such as Uganda’s National Organic Week, farmers’ festivals, and international conferences, offer opportunities to showcase agroecological products, connect with sector stakeholders, and explore potential markets and partnerships. By combining virtual learning with practical experiences, WYNA helps participants strengthen their knowledge, expand their professional networks, and identify opportunities to apply what they learn in their communities and enterprises.

4. Providing tailored mentorship

Mentorship is a key component of WYNA’s approach to developing young people’s and women’s leadership in agroecology and organic agriculture. Fellows and Interns are matched with experienced mentors based on their fields of work, interests, and project needs. Through this relationship, mentees receive individual guidance, professional support, and opportunities to learn from people with relevant experience.

Mentors support mentees as they navigate community solutions project implementation, strengthen their technical and entrepreneurial skills, address emerging challenges, and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration. This tailored support complements the programme’s training and networking activities, helping Fellows and Interns build confidence, make informed decisions, and strengthen the long-term potential of their Community Solutions Projects and professional journeys.

Creating lasting opportunities for youth and women

Through community-led projects, leadership development, entrepreneurship support, practical learning, and mentorship, WYNA connects individual growth with collective action. The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of youth and women to lead agroecological initiatives, develop sustainable enterprises, exchange knowledge, and contribute to more inclusive and resilient food systems.

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