#Youth4Soil Showcases Youth-Powered Solutions to Combat Land Degradation

Prepared by Sussana Phiri, CA4SH Coordination Intern and Country Represetative for YPARD Zambia

24 June 2025 | The second virtual #Youth4Soil Solutions Showcase, themed “Restore. Reform. Reap.” spotlighted the critical role youth are playing in reversing land degradation, rethinking failed systems and reaping the collective benefits of healthier ecosystems.

#Youth4Soil at a Glance

Opening the event, Joyce Njuguna captured the essence of #Youth4Soil—a vibrant, growing global movement where young people are reimagining soil health from the ground up. Her message was clear: this is more than a network—it’s a revolution rooted in action for soil health.

#Jeunes4Sol: Language Is Power! 

With authenticity and pride, Jeancy Ntuka Luta introduced #Jeunes4Sol, a dedicated space for Francophone youth, affirming CA4SH’s commitment to linguistic inclusion. He noted that many Anglophone-led activities will soon be mirrored en français—to ensure no voice is left behind.

Embracing Data for Decision Making 

Kevin Perera, a temporary lecturer at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, presented his innovative research on digital soil mapping—a cutting-edge approach to assessing and visualizing soil health. His work demonstrated how data-driven tools can guide smarter land management decisions and empower communities. Kevin’s message was clear: when youth are equipped with evidence, they become powerful agents of change. Through his teaching and research, he’s not just mapping soil—he’s cultivating the next generation of soil stewards. Find Kevin on LinkedIn.

Home Is Where the Heart Is 

In a moving story of personal connection and environmental commitment, Eliud and his team from the Mwaroko Youth Group described their return to the forest where they grew up. Today, they are involved in;

🌱Raising indigenous tree seedlings

🌱Introducing clean energy alternatives to reduce dependency on forest wood

🌱Leading community education programs

All to save a landscape that once shaped them. A deeper dive into Eliud’s work is available here.

🏞️ Sustainability Is a Competitive Advantage 

Thom Kayange, CEO of GRATHO Green Farms, delivered a compelling case for doing business with nature, not against it. He shared how his farm thrives by respecting the very resources that sustain it—soil, water and biodiversity.

A standout moment was his introduction of syntropic agroforestry, a regenerative approach that mimics natural forest ecosystems. By layering crops in time and space—just like nature does—Thom is building a resilient, self-sustaining system that restores soil health, boosts productivity and reduces the need for external inputs. It’s farming that feeds the land as much as it feeds people.

With plans to integrate livestock and deepen ecosystem services, Thom is proving that ecological harmony and economic success can grow side by side.

🧠 True or False? Test your Soil IQ

In a lively quiz round, participants tackled statements on drought, land degradation, and youth action. Beyond the correct answers lay powerful insights, reflections and collective learning—Because knowledge is where action begins. Test yourself too!    

True or False:

• Enhanced Biodiversity is a key benefit of healthy soils

  True!

  Healthy soil teems with microorganisms that support a wide range of plant species, which in turn attract diverse animal life. This vibrant ecosystem creates natural balance and resilience across the food web.

• Combating desertification and mitigating drought have nothing to do with soil health 

  False!

  That's not quite right—soil health plays a vital role in both. Healthy soil retains water and organic matter, reducing the risk of drought and desertification by supporting vegetation cover and preventing erosion.

• The #Youth4Soil initiative has a vision to elevate the voices of youth soil health advocates

  True!

  The #Youth4Soil initiative empowers young advocates to speak up for soil health and sustainability. By amplifying youth voices, it fosters innovation and action to protect our planet’s most vital resource.

• Youth led initiatives have significant impact on global soil health

  True!

  Youth-led initiatives drive awareness and innovation in sustainable soil practices, inspiring communities to adopt healthier land management. Their passion and advocacy influence global policies and grassroots action alike.

• Deforestation and overgrazing are some of the main causes of soil degradation worldwide 

  True!

  Deforestation strips the land of protective vegetation, exposing soil to erosion and nutrient loss. Overgrazing by livestock further weakens soil structure, reducing its ability to recover and support plant life.

Closing the Showcase with Passion

Upendra Bhusal wrapped up with unmistakable urgency and inspiration. He challenged #Youth4Soil members to carry this momentum boldly and called on stakeholders to empower young people—because a restored future begins with those who dare to reclaim it today.His message rang clear,

“The future belongs to those brave enough to restore it.”

This event was the second in an ongoing global series spotlighting youth-led Soil Health Solutions. With the next showcase on the horizon, Youth4Soil invites everyone—audiences, allies and partners—to walk this journey together.

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