Meet the Youth Policy and Deliberation Finalists!

The WFF's Youth Policy and Deliberation Challenge (PDC) was launched in 2024 to help develop the skills and expand the knowledge of young policy-oriented leaders in key themes of agrifood systems transformation: addressing food waste, sustainable water management and healthy diets.

After several phases of deliberation, mentoring and development of their policy proposals, we are happy to announce the top three finalists for each topic of the PDC! They have refined their work and are preparing to present it live during the finals at the flagship event this October.

Check out the innovative ideas these teams of young policymakers have developed – and stay tuned to our channels to know firsthand the date and time PDC finals will take place!

Addressing food waste:

• Recycling Organic Waste Through Black Soldier Fly Rearing
  Frank Jackson Mbise, Rainfrida Ostack Mwalongo, Rodgers Rogito and Shukuru Munigwa Seraphin (Africa);
  Turning food waste into a wealth of nutrient-rich animal feed and organic fertilizer.

• Beyond the Date: From Discard to Action
  Feyisayo Akande and Chanel Perreault (North America);
  Smart meal labels to reduce meat-related food waste and GHG emissions.

• Collecting data for a circular economy: addressing food waste in Brazilian public schools
  Ana Carla Sena de Assis e Rocha, Beatriz Proença de Oliveira. Laís Lopes de Jesus and Sérgio Ritheli Rocha (Latin America);
  Tech-powered food waste reduction through a multi-stakeholder, context-based data system.

Sustainable water management:

• Promoting nexus approaches for sustainable oasis management through best practices
  Najet Ben Mabrouk and Taheni Souf (Near East and North Africa);
  Transforming Tunisia’s oases in green, thriving ecosystems through a nexus approach spanning food, water and energy security.

• Utilizing Data for Sustainable Crop Selection
  Selma Bichbich, Miriam Akinyi and Wissal Chafik (Near East and North Africa);
  A digital technology solution, guiding farmers with data to maximize their water resources for greater crop yields through a crop suitability platform.

• Virtual Water Trade
  Moses Baluku, Olugbenga Eyimofe Oluwakemi and Olabisi Onilari Kumuyi (Africa);
  Strengthening resilience in grain production by understanding and addressing water scarcity and virtual water trade dynamics.

Healthy diets:

• Nudging Towards Healthy and Sustainable Diets
  Maria Etessam Alvaro, Annabella Boersma, Carlos Navarrete Llamas and Alice Terpereau (Europe);
  Smart labelling in universities to promote healthier, more sustainable food choices.

• Promoting Healthy Diets and a Sustainable Planet for Sub-Saharan African Children
  Kamanzi Claudine, Delfina Fernandes Hlashwayo and Lencho Megersa Marami (Africa);
  Engaging children ages 7-14 in sustainable food practices through storytelling and tech.

• Leveraging Maize Crop Reside in Producing Organic Fertilizers In Africa
  Brenda Musenya Mutune, Cadey Kerubo Moguche and Mugenyi Nathan (Africa);
  Boosting soil fertility and food security through innovative farming techniques and innovations in maize crop residue in Kenya.