2025 Youth Institutes Wrap with Global Momentum and Local Impact

On a July morning in Kamuli, Uganda, the Mpirigiti Rural Training Centre buzzed with energy and purpose as the second annual Uganda Youth Institute came to life. Hosted by the Iowa State University–Uganda Program and led by Youth Entrepreneur Specialist Lukwata Martin Roy Kagoye, this powerful gathering marked a growing movement: young people leading the charge in shaping a more food-secure future.

The Uganda Youth Institute is the first World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute established on the African continent and this year’s program built upon the groundbreaking success of its inaugural edition. With an even larger group of student participants, this year’s Institute reflected not only momentum, but hope for the future.

Fifty students from across Uganda came together to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time—climate change, food insecurity, poverty, governance, conflict and sustainability. In both oral and poster presentations, students showcased bold research and visionary thinking. Twenty-six students delivered powerful presentations before a panel of experts and their peers while twenty-four others sparked dialogue through interactive poster sessions.

Support flowed in from across borders with volunteers from both Iowa State University and Makerere University offering their time, mentorship and passion to make the day meaningful. Judges from both universities engaged with students in thoughtful feedback sessions and small group discussions encouraging them to envision practical pathways to transforming food systems and strengthening their own communities.

The day opened with inspiring words from leaders including Martin Lukwata, Catherine Swoboda (Iowa State University) and Donald Rugira-Kugonza (Makerere University). Throughout the event, students weren’t just participants—they were leaders, thinkers and changemakers. During lunch, they networked, laughed and built new connections. Later, they toured the training center’s agricultural demonstration projects gaining firsthand insight into sustainable practices that are making a real difference.

The closing moment of the day left a lasting impression. Gideon Nadiope, National Director for the ISU–Uganda Program, delivered a heartfelt call to action. He told the students a story—of planting an avocado tree when he was their age. That tree, he shared, still bears fruit today. His message was clear: with vision, commitment and resourcefulness, what you plant today can nourish the world tomorrow.

“Attending the Uganda Youth Institute drives me to other opportunities in life,” said Edward Kiwana, who was participating in his second Institute and was one of two selected as a top delegate from the 2024 Uganda Youth Institute. “It has given me communication skills, research skills and lets me prepare myself for a future in food and science.”

All 50 students were honored as Borlaug Scholars, joining a global network of young leaders dedicated to ending hunger and transforming agriculture. Two exceptional students, Joreen Bakubaku from Kamuli Progressive College and Annet Nampiima from St. Paul Mbulamuti Secondary School, were selected to represent Uganda at a future World Food Prize Foundation conference.

In Uganda, the seeds of change are already in the ground. And if this Youth Institute is any indication, the harvest will be abundant.

The 2025 Kenya Youth Institute Ignites a Passion for Agricultural Innovation

The Kenya Youth Institute returned for its second year with more impact than ever. Hosted by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and spearheaded by bioscientist Kenneth Monjero—known to many as Dr. Fun—this year’s event had 130 students complete their Global Challenge paper from 95 schools with 60 young leaders attending the 2025 Kenya Youth Institute—each carrying the same vision: to reimagine the future of agriculture and food systems in Kenya and beyond.

From the start, the message was clear: the challenges facing our world—climate change, food insecurity and environmental degradation—require youth leadership, fresh ideas and bold innovation.

Dr. Samson Kamunya, standing in for KALRO Director General Dr. Eliud Kireger, set the tone with his opening remarks. He emphasized the power of climate-smart, technology-driven agriculture and the critical role young people must play in leading that transformation. Dr. Jan Low, 2016 World Food Prize Laureate, invoked the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug and challenged students to step forward as the next vanguard of global problem-solvers.

Over the course of two dynamic days, the Kenya Youth Institute partnered with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the International Potato Center (CIP), Concern Worldwide, and KCB Bank Group. Sheila Mbiru represented the Office of the First Lady of Kenya and discussed opportunities for students to continue their passion for science and research. Students presented Global Challenge research papers tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues—from hunger and malnutrition to the intersection of conflict, education and sustainable farming. Six standout presenters were selected to share their research before more than 200 guests, showcasing not just knowledge but leadership, poise and purpose.

Diana Wangari, a 2024 Borlaug Scholar and Global Youth Institute alumna, further inspired students with a call to action: “Keep building, keep asking and keep going.” It was an especially meaningful message for the students, coming from Diana—someone who had been in their position just last year. The room was energized and inspired by her words.

On the second day, students traveled to ILRI’s campus for a hands-on journey through the frontlines of agricultural science. They heard from women and men at the forefront of innovation—Dr. Siboniso (Boni) Moyo , Annie Cook, Julie Ojango, Eric Magembe, Leah Symekher and Saeef Nyambok—who not only shared their expertise but offered a glimpse into futures the students could claim as their own. From genomics to food safety to animal health, every lab tour and conversation opened doors of possibility.

The Youth Institute concluded by honoring the achievements of all participants with the recognition of Borlaug Scholar status. Among them, two students, Blessed Kyalo and Jael Achieng, were named top presenters and invited to represent Kenya at a future World Food Prize Foundation event.

As the students departed, one thing was certain: the seeds planted at the Kenya Youth Institute will bear fruit for years to come. In these young minds lies the promise of a more food-secure, nourished and sustainable world. And thanks to programs like this, that future is already beginning to bloom.

The Future is Bright at the Florida Youth Institute

Hosted by the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, this year’s Florida Youth Institute was broken into two week-long immersive experiences designed to spark curiosity and cultivate leadership around global food security. The two sessions engaged 45 Florida students over the course of the two weeks.

Under the guidance of Dr. Charlotte Emerson, Director of Student Development and Recruitment, and Dr. Becky Raulerson, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, students stayed on campus and engaged in hands-on learning, meaningful dialogue and real-world exploration.

Throughout the week, participants explored some of the University of Florida’s most innovative programs and research facilities, including the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, the Department of Animal Sciences, Entomology and Nematology, the Teaching Gardens at Lake Alice, the Division of Plant Industry and the Food Science and Human Nutrition program. From examining invasive plant management to understanding soil health and nutrition science, students gained firsthand insight into the depth and breadth of agricultural and life science careers.

One highlight was a farm tour at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Suwannee Valley, where students learned about ongoing research in crops like corn, peanuts, carrots and watermelon. They toured greenhouses, observed trials on erosion control using specific grasses on gypsum soil and saw demonstrations in crop grading and field science. It was an eye-opening look into how science and agriculture intersect to solve real-world challenges. Then students got the opportunity to visit the bat houses on Florida’s campus. The university is home to the largest occupied bat houses in the world. Students got to witness roughly half a million bats all swarm out of the houses together at dusk. 

During a global food security workshop, the students were guided through an engaging simulation. Building on the context of their Global Challenge papers, each student stepped into the shoes of a national leader. In regional teams, they debated, negotiated and collaborated to identify the most impactful solutions to food insecurity in their areas. Their final presentations reflected thoughtful decision-making, creative problem-solving and a genuine desire to make change. In the reflection session afterward, many students shared a common realization: food security is more complex—and much more interconnected—than they had ever imagined.