Adaptation in Agri-Food Systems: Bridging Local & Youth Innovation with Global Policy

C limate change often feels abstract when framed in global negotiations or scientific reports. But for me, it became real—and tangible —through the eyes of young people in agriculture. 
 
During my work preparing for the Youth for Climate Resilient Agriculture Programme (YCRA), that was co-led by IAAS and the FAO, we reviewed hundreds of youth-led adaptation projects from around the world. These weren’t abstract ideas—they were rooted in real struggles, real innovation and real communities. They showed me how adaptation isn’t a distant goal; it’s already happening on the ground, led by the next generation. 
 
That experience shaped my own journey into exploring how policy frameworks can better support these efforts and how the energy and innovation I saw in the field can be matched by meaningful national and international commitments. 

Ground-Level Innovation: Real Solutions from the Field

From simple to high-tech, young innovators are transforming how agriculture responds to climate shocks. 
 
In Ghana, Akofresh, a solar-powered cold storage initiative founded by friend a Mathias Charles Yabe, helps smallholder farmers store perishable produce longer and reduce post-harvest losses. It’s a practical, affordable solution that makes a real difference. 
In Kenya and in India, I’ve seen young farmers weave agroforestry into their croplands—planting native trees alongside staple crops to improve soil health, retain moisture, diversify revenue streams, and mimic natural ecosystems. Elsewhere, mobile weather-alert applications deliver hyper-local forecasts to rural communities, while composting and mulching initiatives restore nutrient-rich soils once stripped by intensive cultivation. 
 
These aren’t just side stories. They’re the seeds of systemic transformation. I observed many of these solutions firsthand through Emerging Ag, at gathering such as the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) and at the African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT) 

Biodiversity: The Quiet Force Behind Resilience 

Underlying these innovations is agrobiodiversity—the countless local crop varieties that don’t make headlines yet form agriculture’s quiet backbone. High up in the Andes, Indigenous farmers cultivate dozens of potato varieties across shifting altitudes, while Ethiopian communities safeguard traditional barley strains that withstand prolonged drought. Such genetic treasures enable farmers to hedge against extreme weather, reducing dependency on costly, imported inputs. 
 
Protecting biodiversity is not just about conservation. It’s a practical adaptation strategy that does not seem obvious at first glance. It enables farmers to hedge against climate risks and build resilient systems that don’t rely on external inputs. It must be recognized, valued, and supported through national strategies and extension services.  
 
Germplasm centers around the world already play a critical role in safeguarding the future of agriculture—and their importance will only grow as extreme weather events become more frequent. During my studies at the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine in Morocco, I had the opportunity to visit the ICARDA Genebank, which, coincidentally, was located just next to my student dormitory. It was there that I first understood how these gene banks act as lifelines—preserving diverse crop varieties and supporting farmers in times of crisis when seeds need to be restored or re-adapted to changing conditions. 

Under the UNFCCC

Yet despite this wealth of local ingenuity, international policy frameworks often lag behind. As I prepare to attend the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies meeting in Bonn, I see a critical need to realign global goals with what already works in the field. The upcoming workshops under the Sharm El Sheikh Joint Work on the Implementation of Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security must focus on weaving food-system priorities into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). All too often, agriculture is depicted merely as a vulnerable sector that needs protection, rather than as a source of resilience and progress. 
 
If NAPs are to move beyond risk inventories, they must invest in biodiversity conservation, nature-based solutions, localized knowledge systems—and, above all, the capacities of young people. Youth are not passive beneficiaries; they are innovators, entrepreneurs, and advocates who deserve training, finance, and a seat at the decision-making table. 
 
In addition, the indicators currently being negotiated under the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) process, particularly within the agriculture thematic target, will play a major role in how we measure progress. They should reflect more than yield increases or infrastructure upgrades. They must include metrics on access to resources, climate-smart practices, community empowerment, and especially the role of youth and women in shaping adaptive solutions. 

From Local Innovation to Global Action

Adaptation is far more than a policy conversation—it is unfolding now in classrooms, cooperatives, and family farms. But without intentional support, these local efforts risk remaining isolated anecdotes. We must weave a continuous thread from field-level innovations to national strategies and global ambitions. To me, adaptation is deeply personal: the composting champion restoring soils in Senegal, the young agroforester nurturing trees in Kenya, the cold-storage entrepreneur revolutionizing markets in Ghana. These stories embody resilience, creativity, and justice. 

As we move forward, let’s ensure every policy, every investment, and every global agreement recognizes—and amplifies—the leadership of youth. Their innovations are not side notes; they are the blueprint for a climate-resilient, equitable food system. 

The ideas presented in this article aim to inspire adaptation action – they are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Global Center on Adaptation.

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