Welcoming our new Program Coordinator, Ajuna Tadeo!

We are thrilled to announce the newest member of the YPARD Global Coordination Unit (GCU), Ajuna Tadeo, who joins us as the Program Coordinator.

In this role, Tadeo will lead the implementation of YPARD's educational programs, enhance capacity building efforts, and strengthen our advocacy initiatives with a strong focus on agroecology, organic agriculture, and sustainable food systems—especially in low-resource contexts.

As Program Coordinator, Tadeo will be instrumental in developing and delivering impactful educational offerings in collaboration with YPARD partners. He will foster strategic partnerships, diversify funding sources, and ensure that YPARD members are meaningfully engaged across our programming. A particular focus of his work will be on strengthening YPARD’s presence in Eastern Africa, supporting country chapters, spearheading advocacy efforts, and positioning YPARD as a hub for youth-led agricultural innovation and policy dialogue in the region.

Tadeo brings a wealth of experience to this role. He is currently the YPARD-Uganda Co-Country Representative and the YPARD-UNCCD focal person, and has previously served as a YPARD Steering Committee member, where he played a critical role in driving youth engagement and sustainable agricultural practices. His professional background includes work at both national and international levels. At the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance (UAA), he served for 7 years as the Platforms/Value Chains/Food Systems Development Officer, leading initiatives to enhance market efficiency, sustainability, and equitable value distribution across agrifood value chains. He also coordinated multistakeholder platforms to tackle pressing agricultural challenges.

As the coordinator of the Youth4Agribusiness initiative, Tadeo designed and implemented training programs to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills and tools to innovate in agribusiness, catalyzing a new wave of youth-led agricultural transformation in Uganda. A certified Trainer of Trainers in Agroecology, Tadeo brings deep technical expertise and a strong commitment to community impact. He also holds certifications in Global G.A.P farm assurance, project management, financial literacy, agroecology, and digital marketing—underscoring his holistic approach to strengthening agricultural resilience.

Tadeo is a director of the Food Safety Coalition of Uganda, a network of over 20 civil society organizations advocating for food safety and sustainability. As chairperson of the Policy and Advocacy Working Group, he plays a central role in shaping the coalition’s influence.

Globally, Tadeo is an active member of the UNCCD Youth Caucus and a 2022 International Monetary Fund Fellow, with a strong advocacy track record on climate justice. He has led reforestation campaigns and engaged in global policy dialogues to address the environmental challenges affecting agriculture and rural youth.

Beyond his professional credentials, Tadeo is a passionate farmer, a public speaker, and a steadfast believer in peace and justice. His work mentoring youth across different regions has had a lasting impact on many young professionals in agriculture.

Welcome to the team, Tadeo!