Call for Applications: CAFF Youth Challenge 2026 (€200–€300 Grant)

The CAFF Youth Challenge 2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for young people to transform traditional knowledge into impactful, sustainable solutions. The initiative is focused on reviving, promoting, and innovating forgotten foods, while empowering youth to become active drivers of change within their communities.

Organised under the theme “Collective Action on Forgotten Foods,” the programme supports youth-led ideas that contribute to preserving cultural heritage, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening local food systems across Africa and the Caribbean.

About the CAFF Youth Challenge 2026

The challenge is designed to mobilise young people as agents of change in addressing food system challenges through indigenous and underutilised foods. Participants are expected to bring forward innovative ideas that turn forgotten foods into viable opportunities for communities.

The initiative specifically targets projects that can be implemented within a university campus or a semi-urban community, ensuring direct and measurable impact at the grassroots level.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to:

• Young people from Africa and the Caribbean
• Individuals aged between 18 and 30 years
• Applicants with innovative ideas that promote forgotten or indigenous foods

Both individuals and small groups (maximum of three members) are eligible to apply.

Focus Areas

The CAFF Youth Challenge 2026 is centred around three key thematic areas:

Projects under this category should focus on:

• Promoting intergenerational knowledge transfer between elders and youths
• Using forgotten foods to strengthen community resilience and engagement

Forgotten Foods & Technology

This category encourages:

• Leveraging technology to document and map forgotten foods
• Creating innovations within the value chain to connect forgotten foods to wider markets

Forgotten Foods & Nutrition

Applicants can also explore:

• Promoting healthier diets and dietary diversity
• Highlighting the role of forgotten foods in healthcare and nutrition

Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

• Mini grants (between €200 and €300) to support project implementation
• Mentorship and capacity-building opportunities
• Access to a growing network of food innovators and changemakers

A total of 10 mini grants will be awarded to outstanding youth-led projects.

Project Requirements

Applicants should note the following:

• Projects must be implemented between June and September 2026
• Each project must demonstrate a direct impact on youths within a university or community setting
• Proposals must clearly outline the problem being addressed, expected impact, beneficiaries, and implementation plan
• A detailed budget (within €200–€300 range) must be included
• The full application should not exceed two pages

Application Deadline

The deadline for submission is 30 April 2026.

All applications must be submitted via email.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send their proposals to: [email protected]

Young innovators passionate about food systems, sustainability, and cultural preservation are strongly encouraged to apply. The CAFF Youth Challenge 2026 presents a valuable platform to turn ideas into action while contributing to a more resilient and inclusive food future.

Read also: Apply for Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) 2026/2027 Fellowship Programme