Despite the majority being the youngest population between 15 and 35 years, accounting for 34.9%, Tanzanian youth often bear the brunt of climate risks and disasters. They are poorly integrated or not incorporated at all into the broader climate decision-making structures, and their participation and innovation are poorly recognized. Shinyanga has been experiencing increased deforestation caused by the expansion of agricultural land, unsustainable agriculture such as shifting cultivation, uncontrolled fires, overdependence on biomass as a source of energy for cooking, and overgrazing.

The impacts of deforestation have already disproportionately affected local communities, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and girls. The livestock population has drastically decreased due to the scarcity of pasture, with the cattle population in Shinyanga decreasing by 5.6% (National Environmental Master Plan for Strategic Interventions, 2022–2032).

YAWE is implementing a youth-led climate action project in Shiyanga focusing on engaging youth in taking urgent actions to combat climate change and its impact on their community by elevating youth voices in the climate action agenda. The project aims to empower girls and boys as young leaders to participate in and drive impactful and innovative climate initiatives.

The project specifically aims to achieve two objectives: to strengthen youth engagement in decision-making bodies related to climate change action, and to enhance the accountability and commitment of local government decision-makers in responding to youth voices on climate change action. The project is implemented in Ndala and Masekelo wards of Shinyanga Municipal, directly targeting 3,022 beneficiaries.