Tanzanian Youth Lead Climate Action Through Smart Gardens – With Support from Climate-KIC

Lushoto District, Tanzania – 30 May 2025
Over 475 secondary school students across Lushoto District have taken bold steps toward climate resilience through the successful implementation of the School Climate Action Plans project, led by Global Kilimo Smart and supported by Climate-KIC.

The initiative, which ran from October 2024 to May 2025, focused on empowering youth through climate education, leadership development, and hands-on experience in climate-smart agriculture. A key achievement of the programme was the establishment of 10 urban smart gardens within secondary schools, producing over 1,130 kg of vegetables annually — exceeding the original target by 13%. These gardens now serve as living labs for sustainable agriculture and food security.

“Seeing students take ownership of real-world climate solutions has been inspiring,” said Herman, Program Manager at Global Kilimo Smart. “Thanks to Climate-KIC’s support, these young leaders are not only learning — they’re influencing policy, supporting their communities, and proving that youth-led action is a powerful driver of change.”

In addition to practical outcomes, the project strengthened youth advocacy. Student climate action teams drafted and presented two policy proposals — on afforestation and waste management — to the Lushoto District Council. The project also cultivated key partnerships with the Lushoto District Education Office, Sokoine University of Agriculture, and the Tanzania Youth Coalition on Climate Change (TYCCC).

The programme reached an estimated 1,350 community members indirectly and boosted student climate literacy from a baseline of 35% to 85%.

This successful collaboration reflects the growing impact of youth-driven climate action in East Africa and marks a significant milestone in advancing local resilience strategies.