Youth-Led Climate Action Project in Shinyanga
Empowering young people to lead climate action, influence decision-making, and build sustainable communities.
Project Background
Tanzania has one of the youngest populations in Africa, with people aged 15–35 accounting for approximately 34.9% of the population. Despite being among the groups most affected by climate change, young people are often excluded from climate decision-making processes.
In Shinyanga, climate challenges continue to intensify due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, uncontrolled fires, overgrazing, and dependence on biomass energy sources.
YAWE is working to change this by placing young people at the center of climate action and empowering them to become active leaders in environmental sustainability.
Climate Challenges Facing Shinyanga
Shinyanga has experienced increasing deforestation caused by agricultural expansion, shifting cultivation, uncontrolled bush fires, overgrazing, and unsustainable use of natural resources.
These environmental changes have reduced biodiversity, degraded ecosystems, and contributed to declining agricultural productivity and food security.
Women and girls are among the most affected groups, facing increased burdens related to natural resource scarcity and climate-related economic challenges.
Livestock production has also suffered significantly. According to the National Environmental Master Plan for Strategic Interventions (2022–2032), the cattle population in Shinyanga has decreased by approximately 5.6% due to reduced pasture availability.
YAWE's Response
YAWE is implementing the Youth-Led Climate Action Project in Shinyanga to engage young people in taking urgent and meaningful action against climate change and its impacts.
The project focuses on elevating youth voices within climate governance systems while creating opportunities for young women and men to become leaders in community- driven climate solutions.
Through training, dialogue, advocacy, and community engagement, youth are empowered to influence climate policies and contribute innovative solutions to local environmental challenges.
Project Objectives
Youth Participation
Strengthen meaningful youth engagement in decision-making bodies and processes related to climate change action, adaptation, and environmental sustainability.
Government Accountability
Enhance accountability and responsiveness of local government leaders to youth priorities, concerns, and recommendations regarding climate action.
Project Reach
3,022
Direct Beneficiaries
2
Target Wards
100%
Youth-Led Engagement
Project Implementation Areas
The project is being implemented in Ndala and Masekelo Wards within Shinyanga Municipal, working closely with local government authorities, community leaders, and youth groups to strengthen climate resilience and environmental stewardship.