WFF Jamaica Youth Chapter launched to advance youth-led action in agrifood systems

The World Food Forum (WFF) Jamaica Youth Chapter held its national launch on 1 October 2026 during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA2026) in Jamaica. The Chapter was subsequently launched globally on 12 October during the 2026 WFF flagship event in Rome, Italy. Together, these milestones connected the establishment of a national platform for youth-led action with the WFF’s broader global efforts to transform agrifood systems.

The national launch featured welcome remarks from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and a keynote address by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representation in Jamaica on the WFF global agenda and youth action. The Chapter’s logo was also unveiled, and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with FAO, formally marking its establishment.

The three-day workshop brought together youth and other stakeholders to develop the Chapter’s capacity. Through technical training and sessions on governance, leadership, policy engagement and partnership building, participants explored how young people could contribute to the country's agrifood priorities, including climate resilience in agriculture and fisheries. It also connected their contributions to national and regional agendas such as Vision 2030 Jamaica and the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) 25 by 2025 food import reduction agenda.

Participants explored key challenges facing the country’s agrifood systems, including dependence on food imports, climate risks and soil degradation. Sessions covered climate-smart agriculture and fisheries, with discussions on resilient crops, soil health, water management, sustainable fishing and post-harvest handling. Agribusiness and enterprise development sessions addressed business models, financial literacy and market access, with contributions from youth agripreneurs.

During an innovation lab, participants worked in teams to develop pilot project concepts and contribute to the Chapter’s action plan. Sessions on policy advocacy and governance introduced them to policy analysis and development of policy briefs, while discussions on Chapter governance covered roles, structures, terms of reference and the establishment of an advisory board. Participants also explored grant writing, fundraising and partnership development, including through a matchmaking session with potential partners and funders.

The workshop concluded with teams finalizing pilot project action plans covering timelines, budgets and monitoring and evaluation. Participants developed personal and group commitments, while the announcement of activities planned for the Chapter's second year and future advisory board meetings provided a basis for continued coordination.

The subsequent global launch in Rome connected these national efforts with the wider WFF network. By combining skills development, innovation, policy engagement and partnership building, the Chapter can support youth-led action aligned with the country's priorities for more climate-resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.