Young Leaders Equipped to Champion Indigenous Food Systems, Nutrition, Biodiversity, and Climate Resilience
NESFAS successfully concluded the second edition of its Youth Immersive Programme in Laitsohpliah, Meghalaya, coinciding with World Environment Day 2025. Held from May 26 to June 5, the two-week initiative aimed to empower youth leaders to promote Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems (IPFS), strengthen community nutrition, and enhance climate resilience.
Supported by LIC HFL, the programme brought together 24 youth participants from 17 communities across East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts. The curriculum focused on hands-on learning, knowledge exchange, and the integration of digital tools to improve community nutrition and soil health.
The programme commenced with a technical co-learning session led by Kong Gratia Dkhar, Senior Associate at NESFAS. She highlighted the critical role of traditional agricultural practices in conserving biodiversity and ensuring food sovereignty. Participants were introduced to NESFAS’ four core themes ‘Biodiversity, Nutrition, Green Livelihoods, and Climate Change’ and were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices such as using green manure and avoiding harmful agrochemicals to restore soil fertility and ecological balance.
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in a range of practical activities. They learned to assess dietary diversity scores (DDS) in their communities and used IFAD’s Digital Toolbox to co-create nutrition-sensitive school meal menus. One of the highlights was a field demonstration at Laitlyndop LP School in East Khasi Hills, where youth conducted anthropometric assessments, DDS household surveys, and participated in designing a school garden with seasonal crop planning. Collaborating with local school cooks, they also helped craft culturally rooted and nutritious school menus, incorporating tools like DDS and photo documentation.
In addition, the youth interacted with members of the Mei Ramew State Agroecology Co-operative Society to explore livelihood opportunities and share reflections on the programme.
“This training has been incredibly insightful. Many of us have grown disconnected from our traditional farming systems. This programme has rekindled my passion to revive our Indigenous practices,” said Kong Natlin Lyngdoh, youth from Mawstep.
Echoing similar sentiments, Bah Aiban Khongsit, youth from Nongpriang added, “The path forward for our Indigenous communities lies in returning to our roots and our traditional farming systems.”
The programme concluded with a symbolic Agrobiodiversity (ABD) Walk on June 5 at Kong Twain’s forest garden in Laitsohpliah. Guided by the traditional knowledge holder, youth explored a diverse array of edible plants, sacred trees, and culturally significant biodiversity. The walk served as a tribute to nature and promoted intergenerational knowledge exchange.
As they return to their communities, the young participants carry with them practical skills, deeper ecological awareness, and a shared vision to revitalise Indigenous Peoples’ food systems, paving the way for a more sustainable and nourishing future.
