Our projects
Hay Donations
Livestock Lives Matter at Africa Youth Pastoralist Initiative (AYPI), where our mission is to empower and unite pastoralist youth across Africa. Aligned with our vision for resilient and prosperous youth shaping sustainable pastoralism, we recognize the critical importance of livestock in the livelihoods of pastoralist communities. AYPI actively addresses conflicts over grazing lands by implementing initiatives such as Donate Hays for Peace.” By providing essential resources, like hays, we contribute to conflict resolution, mitigating tensions and promoting harmony among communities. This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving the pastoralist way of life, ensuring the well-being of both youth and the animals that sustain their communities. Through Livestock Lives Matter, AYPI strives to create a future where pastoralist youth thrive in a sustainable and harmonious environment.
African Youth Pastoralist Initiative (AYPI) at COP28 in the UAE
impactful participation of the African Youth Pastoralist Initiative (AYPI) at COP28 in the UAE, where it advocated for the inclusion of young pastoralists in climate discussions and highlighted the challenges posed by climate change on pastoral communities. Sponsored by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), AYPI actively engaged in diverse panel sessions, sharing insights on sustainable livestock production, smallholder producer support, livestock emissions reduction, and livestock resilience. The initiative successfully networked with influential figures, policymakers, and experts, contributing its perspective to negotiations on crucial climate-related topics. The report outlines key achievements, including valuable networking opportunities, and outlines AYPI’s future plans, emphasizing sustained dedication to youth inclusion, sustainable pastoral practices, and policy reforms through collaborations and innovative strategies. Overall, the transformative experience at COP28 amplified the voices of young pastoralists, significantly contributing to global efforts in addressing climate challenges in pastoral communities.
The Lukenya Consultations Meeting
In partnership with the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network and Procasur, ILRI supported the first in the series of consultations held at Lukenya University in Makueni County, Kenya from the 27-29 September 2022, which brought together 28 young pastoralists living and working in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Over three days the youth participants shared their knowledge and skills, learned from each other and listened to experts discuss climate change mitigation strategies and adaptations. The consultation was also a space to develop friendships and networks, providing the youth with a stronger voice moving forward. The pinnacle of the event was developing a statement on the future of pastoralism in the face of climate change, addressing the challenges and defining opportunities for future action.
Training Pastoralist communities on Kitchen Gardening
Empowering pastoralist communities with sustainable agricultural practices has proven transformative as the cultivation of nutrient-rich leafy greens in shaded areas, including lettuce, parsley, beets, dill, certain cabbages, and mangold, yields abundant harvests, significantly enhancing local nutrition. The adoption of strategic watering techniques, utilizing tools like pots, buckets, and drip irrigation, coupled with nighttime watering, minimizes water evaporation and maximizes resource efficiency. This intentional approach to water management has not only optimized agricultural productivity but also fortified the resilience of pastoralist communities, fostering a more sustainable and secure food production system.
Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures: AYPI's Impactful Youth Meeting
Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures,’ serves as a vibrant convergence of dynamic leaders from Pastoralist Communities. Against a backdrop of eager, youthful faces, the event captures a moment of empowerment and camaraderie, embodying AYPI’s commitment to nurturing the aspirations of Pastoralist youths. The gathering fosters an environment of learning, sharing, and mentorship, with discussions revolving around climate-smart agriculture, sustainable living, and the pivotal role these emerging leaders play in sculpting the future of their communities. A seasoned speaker catalyzes action, urging these young minds to bridge gaps and become champions of change. AYPI’s mission is vividly portrayed in this frozen moment—a narrative of empowerment, knowledge-sharing, and a steadfast belief that these youths are today’s architects of a transformative journey toward sustainable practices, community resilience, and empowered leadership for generations to come.
Empowering Livestock Survival
In a powerful image capturing hope and resilience, Charity Nashipae, amidst a pastoral scene in Kenya, tends to a Sahiwal bull, symbolizing AYPI’s call to action for the dynamic youth of Pastoralist Communities. The scene illustrates the critical role of the younger generation in formulating sustainable solutions for livestock survival in dry regions. The Sahiwal bull, chosen for its resilience in challenging climates, becomes a living testament to the importance of breed selection. Charity’s unwavering determination in feeding the bull embodies a hands-on approach that can significantly impact livestock well-being. This poignant image serves as a beacon of encouragement, highlighting the vital involvement of youth in preserving community livelihoods heavily dependent on livestock. AYPI’s vision comes to life through Charity’s actions, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between youth engagement, sustainable breed practices, and the survival of livestock in arid landscapes. As Charity tends to the Sahiwal bull, she imparts not just sustenance but a narrative of empowerment, emphasizing the transformative role youth can play in ensuring the prosperity of livestock, crucial for the resilience of Pastoralist Communities facing challenges in dry and semi-arid climates.
Bridging Continents
In the heart of Lukenya University’s expansive storage facility, a powerful image immortalizes the union of two dynamic souls—Charity Nashipae from Kenya and Linda Acheampong from Ghana—against a backdrop of neatly stacked hay bales. This snapshot serves as a testament to the African Youth for Pastoralist Initiatives (AYPI) commitment to gender equality, symbolizing the transformative power within every youth. Makueni University’s dedication to innovative solutions in arid climates is evident in the stored hay, emphasizing the critical role of effective feed storage for livestock survival. AYPI’s gender equality strategy comes to life as Charity and Linda, transcending borders and languages, engage in discussions amidst the hay stacks. The storage facility, with a capacity for 700 bales, becomes a metaphor for AYPI’s global impact on pastoralist communities. In this unconventional classroom, the youths explore agricultural practices for dry lands, witnessing the tangible effects of climate-smart feed storage in alleviating challenges faced by livestock. The stored hay emerges as a symbol of transformation, a weapon against hunger and death, sparking hope and resilience in the face of adversity. As these young minds absorb lessons, they carry forth a vision of sustainable solutions for their communities, exemplifying AYPI’s mission to empower youth, break down geographical barriers, and usher in a new era of change in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable livelihoods.