Youth leading the way: planting seeds of hope for a Hunger-Free future

In the backdrop of the United Nations General Assembly dynamic discussions that went on last week, September 18th-19th, at the UN Headquarters in NewYork, gives hope in the transformative potential of youth towards achieving the SDGs.Every seed that is planted, carries the promise of a hunger-free future, and every harvest renews the belief that youth are the architects of transformative change. 

“My journey toward becoming a fervent advocate for the SDGs, and especially my passion for farming, stems from a simple belief: the youth are the driving force behind transforming our world. We hold within us the power to reshape our societies, eradicate hunger, and create a sustainable future.” Says Angel Elizabetha Nalumansi an SDG Advocate, a digital marketer and alumni of Together for a new Africa (T4NA) from Uganda.

Last year Food and Agriculture (FAO) estimated around 30% of the African population to be suffering from chronic hunger and malnutrition. A year before the World Food Program (WFP) estimated that 9 millions people all over the world die every year because of hunger. Concrete actions are needed from all sectors, institutions, organizations and individuals to fight hunger. Especially in countries where a big part of the population live in rural areas and rely on agriculture for their livelihoods such as Uganda. 

“Growing up in a country blessed with 35% of Africa’s arable land, I became acutely aware of the paradox that surrounded me. On one hand, my nation held the potential to feed nearly 40% of Africa’s population, and on the other, it harboured a heartbreaking reality – one out of every three children stunted, and close to 8 million people, or 27.6% of the population, going to bed hungry every day. It was a stark reminder of the work that lay ahead.

In my heart, I knew that I couldn’t stand idly by. This brought me to the understanding that as a young individual, I had a responsibility to contribute to the greater good. And so, I chose farming because I want to make a tangible difference. It’s a testament to the fact that each one of us, irrespective of our age or background, can be a beacon of change,”added Miss  Nalumansi.

Unity and Ubuntu lie at the core of her philosophy. The African concept of Ubuntu teaches us that “I am because we are.” She is convinced in this interconnected world, we must recognize that our destinies are intertwined. Our actions, no matter how small, ripple through society and impact the lives of those around us. 

Youth in Agriculture have a unique role to play. They are not just sowers of seeds but sowers of hope. Through our joined efforts, we can bridge the gap between potential and reality. We can turn barren lands into bountiful harvests, ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. 

“My journey is one of determination, focus, and empathy. It is a journey that has taught me that change begins at home, in our communities, and with our own two hands. It has shown me that even the smallest efforts matter and can lead to profound change.”

We are called to be the generation that ends hunger, that transforms our world, and that embodies the true spirit of Ubuntu. Our actions today will shape the future we want to live in. Let’s plant the seeds of hope, and together, we will reap the fruits of a hunger-free world by 2030.