GCSAYN Secures Strategic Partnerships with University of Pretoria, University of Rwanda,
and British Society of Soil Science to Scale Youth-Led Climate Smart Agriculture
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 21, 2025
Yaoundé, Cameroon :– The Global Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (GCSAYN) is pleased to announce formalized partnerships with three esteemed institutions: the University of Pretoria (South Africa), the University of Rwanda, and the British Society of Soil Science (UK), marking a new chapter of international collaboration toward building resilient food systems through youth engagement and
innovation.
This multi-institutional collaboration is grounded in memoranda of understanding and official endorsements focused on advancing:
- Climate-smart agriculture education
- Youth mentorship and internships
- Joint research and innovation
- Soil health, climate change mitigation, and food security.
Mr. Divine Ntiokam, Founder and Executive Director of GCSAYN, stated: “These partnerships are a testament to our shared commitment to empower youth as climate leaders. With University of Pretoria, University of Rwanda, and the British Society of Soil Science joining forces with GCSAYN, we are laying the foundation for scalable impact across academia, communities, and policy platforms.”
As reflected in the signed MOU between GCSAYN and British Society of Soil Science (UK), both parties will encourage student and faculty exchange, collaborative research proposals, and broader participation in conferences and training focused on soil science and sustainability. Read more>>>>
The University of Pretoria, through the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, has endorsed the GCSAYN Virtual Academy as a Centre of Excellence, recognizing its potential to promote youth-led innovation in climate smart agriculture and sustainable food systems.
Prof. Lise Korsten, Professor in Plant Health and Food Safety at University of Pretoria (South Africa) and President of the African Academy of Science, affirmed: “The University of Pretoria is proud to support GCSAYN in advancing climate resilient agriculture across Africa. We believe this partnership will create lasting capacity for the next generation of food system leaders.”
The University of Rwanda also joins this initiative with a commitment to knowledge-sharing, rural youth outreach, and inclusion of climate-smart practices in agricultural training across its campuses. This tri-continental collaboration aligns with the roadmap to the Second African
Climate Summit, where GCSAYN will play a central role in bringing youth voices and actions into policy spaces.
About GCSAYN
Founded in 2014, GCSAYN is a youth-led network promoting climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and rural development. The organization operates in over 170 countries and holds consultative status with ECOSOC and DGC at the United Nations.
Media Contact:
GCSAYN Secretariat
Email: info@gcsaynglobal.org
website- www.csaynglobal.org