Martin Muleya
Civil society organizations in Mutare are encouraging the youth to take an active role in fighting health complications associated with food systems.
Statistics show that an increasing number of young people are being diagnosed with diabetes, highlighting the need for urgent action on the type of food that they consume.
In response to this growing concern, the Urban Futures Project in Mutare being spearheaded by Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) and Green Governance Trust (GGT) is focusing on urban food systems and urban resilience in the face of climate change. The project recognizes that young people have a critical role to play in shaping the future of food systems and ensuring that they are sustainable, equitable and healthy.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Youth voice Forum on Urban Futures project held at last week in Dangamvura, MAYA assistant programs officer Tinashe Muzama highlighted that the project focuses on urban food systems and resilience in the face of climate change.
“This project is being implemented in five countries. In Zimbabwe it is being done in Bulawayo and Mutare. Mutare has seven administrative districts and is the centre of influence. In urban set-ups young people are the most affected and this project is trying to address the gaps on eating healthy foods. We want to empower young people to take ownership of their health and well-being by amplifying their voices on food policy.
“By engaging young people in the decision making process, we can ensure that their needs and concerns are taken into account and that we create a healthier and more sustainable food systems for all,” said Muzama.
Green Governance Trust Programs Coordinator Lewis Marowa reiterated that the urban food systems was an opportunity for young people to tap into because it was something that is economically beneficial to them.
“Young people can be part of the food processing chain be it in transport, value addition products as we want to promote health diets. With this project we are encouraging young people to eat healthy foods. If you look at the rate of health complications in young people, it is quite increasing. We are looking at it on the background that it is being caused by consuming unhealthy diets. As Green Governance Trust, we are the leading consortium under the Urban Futures Project supported by Hivos we are encouraging young people to be part of policy that speaks to food processes,” highlighted Marowa.
The Urban Futures project is working with community groups and young people to raise awareness about the importance of healthy food systems and to promote youth-led advocacy on food policy. The project is also providing training and capacity-building programs for young people, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to become effective advocates for change.
