Youth Take Lead in Forest Conservation in Chikwawa
AYO has set up a renewable energy kiosk providing solar power for youth-run businesses like barbershops in trading centres.
CHIKWAWA, Malawi - Young people in Chikwawa District are spearheading forest conservation efforts and transitioning to clean energy businesses thanks to a project by Youth Arise Organization (AYO), writes Moses Thole.
The "Youth Leadership and Climate Change Adaptation" initiative has trained local youth in areas like climate financing, adaptation strategies, and green entrepreneurship since its launch in 2022.
The project is backed by CARE International.
Youths who previously engaged in charcoal production from local forests are now running small clean energy enterprises selling solar lamps and other products. This helps curb deforestation while providing sustainable livelihoods.
"Previously, we could go into Lengwe forest and surrounding village forests to cut down trees for charcoal production. Today, all that is history. Through the Youth leadership and Climate Change Adaptation Project, I switched on to a decent type of business and I now sell solar lamps as a source of energy,”” said Hedson Charles, a project beneficiary.
Francis Story, AYO's executive director, said "the goal of the project is to address energy poverty among communities while at the same time empowering young people economically. We came up with this project after noticing that a lot of young people are engaging in charcoal production, which has contributed to the massive loss of trees. So Charles is just one of the beneficiaries, but there are many young people who have benefited.”
Other young people, like Joseph Aaron, have transitioned from charcoal burning in Lengwe Forest to running video entertainment businesses using clean energy. They credit AYO's mindset training for realising the harms of deforestation.
"When I dropped out of school, all hope was lost for me. But AYO came in the area, taught us how deforestation affected the climate, and I had to rethink my line of business. Now I am running a video show at the Mandrade Trading Centre through which I get money every day,” said Aaron.
AYO has set up a renewable energy kiosk providing solar power for youth-run businesses like barbershops in trading centres.
Many families are also now using solar lighting in their homes due to AYO's advocacy work.
But Story noted resistance remains in transitioning from biomass, and a lack of resources hinders efforts. AYO plans further engagement to build youth's adaptation capacity and make them agents of change.
"This project shows the power of youth leadership in solving pressing local issues like deforestation," said local chief Kanyenda.
"When young people take charge, communities can develop sustainably."