Impact Makers: Richard Kachungu

NAME

Richard Kachungu

TITLE

Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Young Emerging Farmers Initiative (YEFI)

LOCATION

Lusaka, Zambia

ABOUT

Richard Kachungu is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Young Emerging Farmers Initiative (YEFI), a youth-led organization in Zambia that supports young people and rural communities to practice sustainable farming and restore land.

Since 2014, he has helped train thousands of young farmers in agroecology, agroforestry and organic methods that improve soil health, conserve water and build resilience to a rapidly changing climate. These practices strengthen food security, generate income and create opportunities for rural youth.

Richard also supports nature-based activities such as beekeeping, which provide livelihoods while protecting forests. Alongside community projects, he works on business models and financing systems that are sympathetic to the realities of young farmers, and takes part in policy discussions to ensure rural voices are heard at national and regional levels.

MOTIVATION

“What drives my passion for the work I do is my deep desire to serve my community, my country, and my continent. Growing up in a rural area, I witnessed first-hand how limited opportunities and unsustainable farming practices trapped many young people in poverty. This inspired me to dedicate my life to transforming the food system into one that not only feeds communities but also creates dignified livelihoods and restores our environment.

Through my work with YEFI, I have seen how empowering young people with knowledge, resources, and confidence can ignite meaningful change. The determination and creativity of the youths I work with constantly fuel my passion; they remind me that sustainable development is possible when communities are given the tools to lead their own transformation.

My motivation also comes from seeing how our initiatives are helping farmers adopt climate-smart and regenerative practices that protect the land while improving incomes. Knowing that our work contributes to a greener, more resilient Africa keeps me committed to advancing business development in the food system and building a generation of young, purpose-driven agricultural leaders.”

IMPACT

Before YEFI’s intervention:

• Slash-and-burn agriculture degraded soil and reduced productivity.

• Deforestation and land degradation were widespread.

• Young farmers had little access to markets or financial services.

• Climate change increased drought and rainfall variability, causing frequent crop failure.

• Food insecurity and economic instability were common in rural areas.

After:

• Over 50,000 young people trained in agroecology, agroforestry and climate-smart techniques.

• Crop yields increased, improving food security and reducing climate risk.

• Farmers’ incomes rose by an average of 40%, supporting better living conditions.

• More than 1,000 green jobs created through over 30 youth-led agro-enterprises.

• 10,000+ hectares of forest protected and 2,000+ hectares of degraded land restored.

• Youth migration in certain areas reduced as farming became a respected livelihood.

• A peer-led training model expanded knowledge-sharing within communities.

• Youth perspectives began shaping national policies on climate and agriculture.

ADVICE

“My advice to anyone who wants to become a climate impact maker is to begin with genuine care for the communities you hope to serve. Real impact starts with empathy, listening to people’s stories, understanding their struggles, and co-creating solutions that truly respond to their needs. You cannot drive sustainable change from a distance; you must walk alongside the people whose lives you aim to transform.

It’s also important to stay true to yourself and your values. The journey of climate action can be challenging; progress is often slow, and the results of your work may take years to manifest. But integrity, consistency, and authenticity will keep you grounded when the challenges seem overwhelming. Remember, meaningful change takes time, and every small step forwards contributes to a much larger transformation.

I would also advise aspiring impact makers to stay curious and open to learning. Climate action is not just about environmental protection; it's about innovation, collaboration, and creating systems that balance people, planet, and prosperity. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, build partnerships, and never stop believing in the possibility of change.

Above all, lead with passion and purpose. When your work is driven by a genuine commitment to serve, it becomes more than a career; it becomes a legacy of hope and transformation for generations to come.”

Contact

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