Call for country projects’ participation in the Food Systems Integrated Program Youth and Agroecology Module
A ‘by youth, for youth’ free learning module on agroecology supported by the GEF-8 Food Systems Integrated Programme (FSIP)
About the module
The Empowering Youth for Agroecological Transformation in Agrifood Systems Programme (EYAAS) is a 4-month training module implemented by Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), under the Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP), led by FAO and IFAD and financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
EYAAS aims to equip young women and men with agroecology knowledge, tools, and leadership skills to catalyze and benefit from sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative food systems aligned with national agrifood systems priorities.
Why does it matter?
Agroecology is a core pathway to achieving more sustainable agrifood systems, and young people are a key national resource in adopting nature-positive approaches. However, agroecological approaches must also create opportunities for viable, green jobs and entrepreneurship to succeed beyond the life of any single project.
Across many countries, youth are already active in agrifood systems but often face livelihood challenges, including limited access to skills development and weak participation in decision-making. The FSIP prioritizes meaningful youth engagement and benefits as a critical lever for more sustainable agrifood systems.
EYAAS responds directly to FSIP priorities and will build the capacity of young women and men in agroecological practices, sustainable value chains, evidence-based monitoring tools, and policy and governance engagement.
Who is it for/participants’ selection?
Young women and men active or interested in agroecology. They may be working in national/local governments in countries participating in FSIP, ‘agripreneurs’, active in civil society or the private sector or students in the selected value chain, rural and sustainable development with a connection to the FSIP country project. Each cohort should aim for gender balance (50–60% of participants from either gender). Country projects will select the participants. The list of FSIP countries is available here.
For which FSIP country projects is it suitable for?
The FSIP countries which explicitly plan to adopt agroecological approaches with youth will be prioritized. The countries which expressed interest at the First FSIP Global Meeting held in Rome, in September 2025, will be prioritized for the first cohort in early 2026. Country Projects which do not explicitly mention agroecology/youth but are interested may also express interest and may be accommodated, depending on demand.
What participants will learn?
Participants will build a strong foundation in agroecology and its 13 principles to support restoration and sustainable land management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and biodiversity conservation, while gaining practical skills in measuring performance using tools such as FAO’s Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) to strengthen evidence-based planning and monitoring. The training develops communication, advocacy, and data-driven decision-making skills to enable meaningful youth engagement in policy and governance transformation and to apply this learning across FSIP priority value chains (crops, commodities, livestock, aquaculture). Through hands-on experience in designing action plans, policy interventions, or business plans for agroecological enterprises, participants are equipped to contribute to youth-led, nature-positive food systems transformation. Participants can ensure that the module is tailored to their individual needs and the FSIP Country Project context through their assignments.
Format
The blended learning approach will be fully online, so all participants will need to have access to the internet. Each Country Project cohort of 8-12 participants will be supported by a dedicated mentor and have the opportunity to share their experiences with other participants through group work. The blended learning approach consists of (i) set reading and interactive modules (ii) online sessions, held in real time, facilitated by a tutor and aimed at ensuring learning outcomes are understood and discussions among participants, as well as clarifying assignments (iii) personal assignments, with tutor and peer support to select, develop and present the assignment as well as get feedback on it. The module is technically backstopped by FAO Agroecology specialists, and the entire process will be led by YPARD.
Timing
The module lasts 4 months, and the total expected time commitment for participants is approximately 24 hours (online: 12 hours, reading: 8 hours, assignments: 4 hours).
Languages
The training in the first cohort of 3 countries in the first quarter of 2026 will be conducted in English or French. Spanish may be available, based on demand.
Certification
A Certificate of Completion will be co-issued by YPARD and the FSIP-Global Coordination Project (GCP).
Cost
There is no cost to either participants or the FSIP Country Project.
Role of FSIP country projects
The Country Project, supported as relevant by the FSIP Implementing Agency in the country, is expected to nominate 8-12 young people. The selection of participants and their completion of the module can be done even before the PMU is in place, if the government partner and the FAO office can help identify participants. Country Projects are strongly encouraged to engage with the participants after the module ends in line with Project actions. Country Projects should target participants who have a potential connection with the FSIP. e.g. in project areas or in a relevant ministry.
Expression of interest deadline and contact
We invite interested FSIP countries to express their interest and send any enquiries by the end of 6 March 2026 to Soma Chakrabarti, Gender Social Inclusion Specialist, FAO at [email protected].