The National 4-H Council and DuPont announced a partnership at the World Food Prize Symposium to strengthen youth development in rural African communities. A $2 million initiative over the next two years will be used by the global 4-H network to assist in developing sustainable livelihoods and improving household food security.

A pilot program earlier this year in northern Tanzania was the model for the new initiative in Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Ghana.

“Youth development is the world’s best long-term solution to ensure food security and global economic stability, said Donald Floyd, Jr., president and CEO of National 4-H Council.  “4-H’s 100-year history in agricultural innovation and youth skill-building in more than 70 nations, uniquely positions it to equip millions of young people in developing nations with the skills needed to build a sustainable future.”

A Leadership Institute for 4-H leaders and volunteers will be launched in January 2012 in Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Ghana. They will be trained in agricultural innovation and farm methods, and learn about research-based tools and resources available at the local level.

Floyd praised the work of Millicent Obare, a youth 4-H leader in Kenya who presented at the World Food Prize Symposium. Obare has led 4-Hers to plant trees to replace trees used for firewood, and convert manure into methane for heating and cooking needs.