On 3rd December 2025, Harriet Amondi, a dedicated young leader, YPARD Kenya member and one of the WYNA Community Solutions Fellows from Kenya, was announced as the Youth Trailblazer in Agroecology Awardee 2025. The recognition was conferred during the African Women Leadership in Agroecology (AWOLA) Expo 2025 organized by PELUM Association and its partners, held at the Desmond Tutu Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The Expo brought together leading women in agroecology, policymakers, youth representatives, innovators, researchers, and development partners to celebrate transformative leadership shaping the continent's sustainable agrifood future.
The Youth Trailblazer in Agroecology Award is one of the most competitive categories of the Expo. It honors a young woman between the ages of 18 and 35 who demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing agroecology. The recognition particularly celebrates individuals who champion community resilience, policy advocacy, women’s leadership, and environmentally sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship in the Agroecology space. Seeing a YPARD member and more notably, a WYNA Fellow emerged as the awardee was a moment of immense pride for the entire WYNA and YPARD community. Many attendees remarked that her win was not just inspiring but deeply deserved, reflecting her outstanding contributions within a relatively short time.
During her award acceptance speech, Harriet delivered heart felt remarks that moved many in the audience. She opened her speech by acknowledging the magnitude of the moment “I feel inspired to keep pushing for transformative, community-rooted food systems. I still cannot believe that I have received this award the first of its kind in my life. I am now more motivated than ever to work harder, serve better, and amplify the agroecology agenda. I want to extend my heart felt appreciation to YPARD. Thank you for shaping me and many like-minded young people in agroecology. Thank you for the constant support, mentorship, and the countless opportunities to grow as a young agripreneur.”
Harriet also emphasized the transformative impact of the WYNA Fellowship, even though she had only been in the programme for less than two months: “Barely two months into the WYNA Fellowship, I am already shining. I have gained a stronger voice, a wider network, and the confidence to show up boldly in spaces that matter. Your belief in youth leadership in agriculture continues to open doors and fuel our commitment to building resilient, sustainable food systems. I cannot wait to see the change I will have experienced and contributed to by he end of the full ten months of the WYNA programme.” As part of her WYNA Community Solutions Fellowship, Harriet is currently implementing the Sustainable Groundnut Supply Chain Project in Kisumu County, Kenya. The project addresses a critical gap in the local agrifood system: the inconsistency of high-quality groundnut supply for small-scale peanut butter processors. This inconsistency limits market access, reduces product quality, and hinders youth-led agribusinesses in the region.
Harriet’s community solution is designed to establish a reliable, eco-friendly, and sustainable supply chain by working directly with youth and women farmers. The project involves several core components strengthening farmer capacity, input support and technical assistance hence improving Post-Harvest Handling, enhancing market access and value addition, promoting environmental and Social Sustainability. The initiative responds to Kenya’s rising demand for nutritious, safe, and locally sourced peanut butter, particularly among health-conscious consumers. Harriet’s approach not only improves farmer livelihoods but also contributes to food security, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic development. Harriet’s recognition as the Youth Trailblazer in Agroecology 2026 highlights the growing visibility and impact of young African leaders driving agroecological transformation. Her award shines a spotlight on what dedicated youth can accomplish when given support, mentorship, resources, and implement community-first solutions. Through her work, Harriet continues to embody the spirit of the WYNA Programme strengthening the leadership, voice, and agency of women and youth in agroecology and organic agriculture. Her success is a testament to what is possible when young women are empowered to lead sustainable change in their communities.
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