Lesson 1 | Provide Insights

A better view into the business opportunities in agroecology helped youth to embrace agroecology as a farming method.

Lesson 2 | Remember that seeing is believing

For many participants, the visits to agroecological

farms were the turning point. Exposure to successful agroecology cases and role models

worked better than training in a classroom.

Lesson 3 | Work with role models

The capacity-building activities for young entrepreneurs positioned them as role models and agroecology champions. This created a trickle-down effect as they became role models in their communities

Lesson 4 | Mentorship done right

Mentorship can be a strong model to improve agroecology businesses if you have the right information, starting with a clear needs assessment that leads to a good match between mentors and mentees. It is also important to have field experience, and when possible, a link to seed capital or funding through the mentorship.

Lesson 5 | Support Sustainable Learning Networks

The exchange of knowledge supported the creation of new agroecology value chains, as young entrepreneurs started buying and selling inputs and products to each other.

Lesson 6 | Local knowledge is best

Appreciate indigenous knowledge and integrate it with contemporary agroecology principles. Youth take knowledge from their farms and communities and are looking for ways to combine them with innovative practices.

Lesson 1 | Provide Insights

A better view into the business opportunities in agroecology helped youth to embrace agroecology as a farming method.

Lesson 2 | Remember that seeing is believing

For many participants, the visits to agroecological

farms were the turning point. Exposure to successful agroecology cases and role models

worked better than training in a classroom.

Lesson 3 | Work with role models

The capacity-building activities for young entrepreneurs positioned them as role models and agroecology champions. This created a trickle-down effect as they became role models in their communities

Lesson 4 | Mentorship done right

Mentorship can be a strong model to improve agroecology businesses if you have the right information, starting with a clear needs assessment that leads to a good match between mentors and mentees. It is also important to have field experience, and when possible, a link to seed capital or funding through the mentorship.

Lesson 5 | Support Sustainable Learning Networks

The exchange of knowledge supported the creation of new agroecology value chains, as young entrepreneurs started buying and selling inputs and products to each other.

Lesson 6 | Local knowledge is best

Appreciate indigenous knowledge and integrate it with contemporary agroecology principles. Youth take knowledge from their farms and communities and are looking for ways to combine them with innovative practices.