CIKOD Calls for Youth-Led Agroecology Movement as DHLTU Launches GUMA Chapter

The Deputy Executive Director of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Organisational Development (CIKOD), Daniel Banoukuu, has called on Ghanaian university students to lead the transformation of the country's food systems through agroecology.

He stated that young people are critical to advancing food sovereignty, climate resilience and sustainable development. He made the call at the launch of the Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU) chapter of the Ghana Universities Movement for Agroecology (GUMA), held under the My African Food Campaign on the theme, "Preserving Our Heritage, Feeding Our Nation: Harnessing Local Food and Culture for Economic Growth."

Mr Banoukuu said the initiative reflects the shared vision of CIKOD and its partners—the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Groundswell International and Thousand Currents—to transform Africa's food systems through agroecology.

He explained that the organisations are working to build sustainable food systems rooted in agroecological principles, indigenous knowledge and community empowerment, enabling local people to reclaim sovereignty over their food and natural resources.

According to him, the launch of the university chapter also stems from a memorandum of understanding between CIKOD and Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, which has already yielded partnerships, including the introduction of a Master of Science programme in Agroecology and related courses.

Mr Banoukuu described the integration of agroecology into higher education curricula as a landmark achievement that would equip future scientists, practitioners and leaders with not only technical expertise but also the values of sustainability, justice and respect for ecosystems.

He commended the Student Representative Council for facilitating the formation of the GUMA chapter, noting that more than 100 students had already registered and elected their leaders.

"This is proof that young people are not waiting on the sidelines but are stepping forward to shape the discourse, practice agroecology and build movements that will carry us into a more resilient future," he said.

Mr Banoukuu stressed that agroecology extends beyond farming techniques, describing it as a cultural, social and political movement centred on identity, food sovereignty and environmental stewardship.

He said the food and cultural exhibition mounted by various ethnic groups during the event demonstrated the richness and diversity of indigenous African foods, while underscoring the need to resist the growing homogenisation of diets and the erosion of cultural heritage.

"We affirm that food systems transformation must favour local and indigenous foods, which nourish both our bodies and our communities," he said.

The Deputy Executive Director noted that the DHLTU chapter represents only the second university-based agroecology movement in Ghana, expressing optimism that similar chapters would soon be established across public universities nationwide.

He envisioned a nationwide youth-led network of students championing food sovereignty, ecological justice and climate resilience across campuses and regions.

Addressing the students directly, he urged them to become advocates for policies that protect farmers' rights, strengthen local markets and conserve biodiversity.