African youth are increasingly turning to non-timber forest resources (NTFRs) to build climate-resilient livelihoods, boost incomes, and support environmental conservation. This shift responds to the challenges faced by traditional agriculture under climate stress and population growth. NTFRs like baobab, tamarind, and honey provide nutritional, ecological, and economic benefits without damaging forests.
During a recent regional webinar hosted by AGRA and FANRPAN, experts and young entrepreneurs highlighted the sector’s promise and challenges. Dr. Maggie Munthali Nkosi emphasized NTFRs’ natural resilience to climate shocks and underscored the supportive regional policies that need stronger implementation and investment.
Innovators such as Joseph Simukoko of Green Giraffe, Zambia, are leveraging digital technology including blockchain and geospatial data to enhance transparency and market access for farmers, increasing incomes by up to 30%. Loreen Dube Ncube from Zimbabwe’s Canlors uses youth-led enterprises to process dried fruits and pure honey, turning waste into nutritive products and promoting forest conservation through beekeeping.
Key recommendations from the dialogue focus on integrating NTFRs into national policies, boosting value addition, strengthening markets, promoting digital innovation, scaling youth enterprise incubation, improving data systems, mobilizing climate finance, and enhancing regional cooperation. NTFRs represent a vital intersection of youth employment, climate action, and biodiversity conservation, holding promise for Africa’s sustainable development and enriched livelihoods.
Spike Media
