Youth Leadership Program Celebrates First Graduating Cohort

Twenty young leaders from across Ghana have completed Dilulu's inaugural Youth Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture program, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to empower the next generation of agricultural innovators and community change-makers.

The nine-month intensive program, which combined hands-on training, mentorship, and community project implementation, culminated in a graduation ceremony held at the University of Ghana in Accra on December 8, 2024. The event brought together program participants, their families, mentors, community partners, and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture.

"These young leaders represent the future of sustainable agriculture in Ghana and beyond," said Marie Ndongo, Dilulu's Executive Director, during the ceremony. "Throughout this program, they have demonstrated remarkable creativity, resilience, and commitment to addressing the complex challenges facing their communities. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see how they will continue to grow as leaders and change-makers."

Program Overview

The Youth Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture program was launched in March 2024 with the goal of equipping young people aged 18-30 with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to lead sustainable agriculture initiatives in their communities. The program was designed to address the dual challenges of youth unemployment and food insecurity while promoting ecological farming practices.

Selected from over 200 applicants, the 20 participants represented diverse backgrounds, regions, and educational levels, from high school graduates to university-trained agronomists. What united them was a shared passion for sustainable agriculture and community development.

The program consisted of three main components:

• Training Modules: Participants completed six intensive training modules covering sustainable farming techniques, climate-resilient agriculture, business planning, project management, community organizing, and leadership development.
• Mentorship: Each participant was paired with an experienced mentor from the agricultural sector who provided guidance, support, and networking opportunities throughout the program.
• Community Projects: Participants designed and implemented community-based projects addressing specific agricultural challenges in their local areas, with technical and financial support from Dilulu.

Graduate Profiles

The graduating cohort represents a diverse group of young leaders with innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture. Here are a few of their stories:

"What makes these projects particularly impactful is that they were developed in close collaboration with community members," explains Jean-Pierre Mbungu, Dilulu's Youth Programs Director. "The participants didn't just implement their own ideas—they engaged in deep listening and co-creation processes to ensure their projects addressed real community needs and built on existing strengths and resources."

Program Impact

Beyond the individual growth of participants, the program has already demonstrated significant impact at the community level:

• The 15 community projects directly benefited over 850 community members across Ghana
• Participants established 23 demonstration plots showcasing sustainable farming techniques
• Over 120 youth received training through peer education activities led by program participants
• 12 school gardens were established or revitalized, benefiting approximately 1,500 students
• 5 community seed banks were established to preserve and share indigenous crop varieties

Dr. Kofi Mensah, Director of Agricultural Extension Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, who attended the graduation ceremony, praised the program's approach: "What Dilulu has accomplished with this program is remarkable. By combining technical agricultural training with leadership development and community engagement, they are nurturing a new generation of agricultural leaders who understand that sustainable farming is not just about production techniques but also about building resilient communities and food systems."

Participant Reflections

For many participants, the program represented a transformative experience that changed their perspective on agriculture and their own potential as leaders.

"Before joining this program, I saw agriculture as just farming—something my parents did to survive," shared Ama Mensah. "Now I see it as a powerful tool for community development and environmental stewardship. I've gained not only technical skills but also the confidence to lead and inspire others in my community."

Emmanuel Addo reflected on the importance of the mentorship component: "Having a mentor who believed in me and my ideas made all the difference. When I faced challenges with my school garden project, my mentor helped me think through solutions and connected me with resources I didn't know existed. That kind of support is invaluable."

For Fatima Ibrahim, the network of peers was equally important: "The most valuable aspect of this program for me was connecting with other young leaders who share my passion. We've become a family, supporting each other through challenges and celebrating each other's successes. I know this network will continue to be a source of inspiration and collaboration long after the program ends."

Looking Ahead

The graduation ceremony marked not an ending but a beginning, as participants transition to the program's alumni network and continue to receive support as they further develop their initiatives and leadership journeys.

"We see this graduation as the start of a lifelong relationship," explained Marie Ndongo. "We are committed to supporting these young leaders as they continue to grow and make an impact in their communities. This includes ongoing mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential funding for scaling their projects."

Plans for the program's future include:

• Expansion to include participants from additional countries in West Africa
• Development of specialized tracks focusing on specific areas such as agroforestry, seed sovereignty, and agricultural entrepreneurship
• Creation of a digital platform to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among program alumni
• Establishment of a seed funding mechanism to help graduates scale successful initiatives

Applications for the second cohort of the Youth Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture program will open in January 2025, with the program scheduled to begin in March 2025.

"Based on the success of this first cohort, we anticipate even greater interest in the program next year," said Jean-Pierre Mbungu. "We're excited to build on what we've learned and continue to refine the program to maximize its impact."

For more information about the Youth Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture program, including application details for the next cohort, please visit youth.dilulu.org or contact youth@dilulu.org.