Lusaka's Climate Champions: Youth-Led Education Initiatives Address Knowledge Gaps Drive Sustainable Development

Climate change is a global issue impacting people across the globe. In recent years, Zambia has experienced severe droughts and floods that have impacted many sectors of the economy, and Lusaka is one of many areas affected.

According to International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), by 2050, the mean temperature in Zambia is expected to increase by at least 1.8°C. Youths account for 26.7% of Zambia's total population (ZamStat, 2022). As the effects of climate change become more prominent, mitigation and adaptation strategies are necessary to maintain economic stability and sustainable living conditions. Education—whether formal, non-formal, or informal—is key to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts (UNESCO, 2024). A holistic approach to climate change that incorporates education nurtures a resilient and informed generation capable of tackling climate-related issues head-on.

Youth-led Climate Change Education Initiatives in Lusaka

Youth in Lusaka are taking a lead in fostering climate change education through innovative initiatives. Below are some highlights of the initiatives:

• Interactive Workshops and School Programs 

Youth movements, such as the Alliance for World Change (AWC), play a crucial role in combating the effects of climate change. The group has established five Climate Ambassadors Clubs (CAC) with over 1,300 members aged between 14 and 18 in selected primary and secondary schools in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces. The clubs promote behaviour change through debates, school presentations, and local interactive games.  

AWC is also engaged in training market traders on the dangers of climate change and providing refuse bags to separate plastic bottles from other waste. The collected bags are sold to recycling companies, and the proceeds finance the traders' children’s education. This initiative illustrates how education and environmental protection are interconnected.

• Leveraging Technology and Social Media 

Integrating digital technologies into education is an effective tool in the fight against climate change. Technological innovations like Netagrow Technologies, an AI-driven enterprise founded by Nchimunya Munyama, support over 5,000 smallholder farmers by providing timely insights on pests, diseases, and crop growth. Such solutions not only close the information gap for farmers but also promote precise and sustainable agriculture.

 Furthermore, Youth on Sustainable Development (YSD), a youth-led organisation, uses social media platforms, radio, and community engagement to actively involve youths in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Advocacy emerges as a potent catalyst in confronting climate change, effectively bridging the chasm between solutions and implementation (Helvatas, 2023). Many youths, especially those from Generation Z (Gen Z), are utilizing social media platforms to advocate for climate action.

• Community-Driven Initiatives and Projects 

Beyond education, projects such as The Zambia Food Bank Project are addressing food insecurity through food rescue and recovery, while effectively disseminating information via social media platforms on the importance of responsible consumption and production to tackle food waste and bridge the gap in food inequalities. 

Impacts of Youth-led Climate Change Education

1. Shifting Perspectives and Behavior  

Education initiatives by youth-led organizations are debunking misconceptions and outdated belief systems about climate change. These efforts encourage mitigation and adaptation strategies, building resilience among youths. The recent power shortages caused by climate change serve as an example, sparking interest, understanding, and the adoption of alternative energy sources.  

2. Fostering Future Leaders

Climate education has led to more youths taking on leadership roles in their communities to drive change. Many pioneers of these groups are participating in global conferences, engaging in climate change policy discussions, and fostering transformation on a broader scale.  

3. Rise in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Recently, niche innovations among youths have addressed climate-related challenges. For example, the electricity supply deficit has inspired innovation in renewable energy sources such as biogas and solar energy. Furthermore, converting waste into usable products through upcycling and recycling has promoted a more circular and sustainable economy.

Challenges and Prospects 

Despite their successes, many youth-led climate initiatives face challenges such as a lack of institutional support, exclusion from policymaking, and limited funding. Societal and cultural beliefs within communities also hinder the acceptance of these initiatives.  

The National Youth Policy, enacted in 2024 by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts, offers hope for empowering youths, building capacity, and accelerating their participation in creating a more sustainable Zambia. With the increasing occurrence of unusual weather patterns and natural disasters, there is optimism that the majority of the population will embrace climate change initiatives.

Finally, Climate change is a complex issue, and its effects will become more evident in the future if no actions are taken now. Youth-led climate education initiatives are a beacon of hope for building resilience in present and future generations. Their contributions not only empower young people but also create ripple effects that promote behavioural change and foster sustainable livelihoods.

Edited by: 

Muhammad Abdullahi Ibrahim