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The Zambia National Forest Association has called on the government to address the lack of environmental education and awareness, particularly among youths in rural areas.
Association Programs Officer, Abel Kamfwa, said that schools in these regions should incorporate environmental and forest management education.
He made this appeal during a presentation at a side event titled “Forest and Farm Champions: Rural Youth Shaping Tomorrow’s Forests and Farms” at the World Food Forum held in Rome, Italy.
Kamfwa argued that fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of forests from a young age can significantly reduce environmental harm.
“Rural youths have significant potential to contribute to sustainable forest management, but they are often underrepresented in decision-making processes,” he said.
He stressed the importance of training rural youths in sustainable forest practices, including agroforestry, reforestation and conservation methods.
Such training equips them with the skills to manage forests sustainably while also creating employment opportunities.
“Providing access to markets and supporting youth in establishing cooperatives or small businesses in the forest commodities sector is crucial for economic empowerment,” he added.
Kamfwa also highlighted the importance of training in value addition processes, such as honey and medicinal plant processing, which can enhance the profitability of forest-based enterprises.
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Moreover, Kamfwa urged that youths be represented in decision-making bodies at both local and national levels, as their insights on issues like deforestation, forest degradation, and resource utilization are vital for developing inclusive and sustainable policies.
“Creating platforms for dialogue between rural youth and policymakers ensures that youth concerns and ideas are heard. Involvement in climate action planning, forest policy development, and national environmental strategies can strengthen this engagement,” he stated.
Kamfwa noted that forests present numerous economic opportunities through the harvesting and processing of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as honey, mushrooms, and medicinal plants.
He also noted that involving youth in community outreach programmes to educate the broader community about sustainable forest management and conservation practices was essential for changing mindsets and behaviors.
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