BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The youth of Eswatini is called upon to take charge in the fight against climate change in cities.
The youth is called upon to do so, especially in October, as this month has been has been dubbed as Urban October. However, the youth is reminded that climate change should not only be fought in cities, but in other parts of the country as well. This is more so because Eswatini has been identified as one of the counties susceptible to climate change.
According to information from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, this Urban October 2024—Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities—is relevant for Eswatini, given the region’s vulnerability to climate change and urban development challenges. In Eswatini, this theme highlights the critical role that young people can play in addressing urban issues and climate action.
Youth Engagement in Climate Resilience: Eswatini is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change, including droughts, erratic rainfall, and storms. This emphasizes the need for young people to take an active role in building climate resilience in cities and towns across the country. The youth have the energy and fresh perspectives to influence urban planning, environmental policy, and sustainable practices.
Local Action for Urban Development: Urban areas in Eswatini face rapid growth with challenges like unemployment, housing shortages, waste management, and inadequate infrastructure. Youth participation is vital in driving local action that aligns with global sustainable development goals.
How the Youth Can Lead Climate and Local Action in Eswatini:
1. Promoting Sustainable Urban Farming:
The youth can play a significant role in promoting sustainable urban agriculture to address food insecurity exacerbated by climate change. With Eswatini’s unpredictable weather patterns, urban farming using climate-smart techniques like hydroponics, vertical farming, or community gardens can increase food production in cities.
Youth-led cooperatives in Mbabane or Manzini could establish urban farming projects using empty plots of land or rooftop gardens. These projects could help supply fresh produce to local markets while reducing the carbon footprint of food transportation.
2. Advocacy for Green Infrastructure in Cities:
Youth can engage in advocacy to ensure that new urban development incorporates green infrastructure, such as the integration of parks, green roofs, rain gardens, and water management systems. These help mitigate climate change by reducing urban heat and managing stormwater more efficiently.
A youth organisation could partner with local municipalities like Ezulwini Town Council to design and implement green spaces that double as recreational areas and natural solutions for flood management. These could also serve as educational spaces for the community about climate resilience.
3. Entrepreneurship in Clean Energy Solutions:
Eswatini’s energy sector is heavily dependent on imports, but the youth can lead by creating entrepreneurial ventures that promote renewable energy solutions. Solar power and biogas initiatives, for instance, can reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources and create employment.
Young entrepreneurs can start businesses offering solar panel installations and maintenance in urban areas, or set up biogas plants that convert organic waste from markets into usable energy for urban households.
4. Waste Management Innovation:
Cities in Eswatini, like in many Southern African nations, struggle with waste management. Youth-led initiatives that focus on recycling, waste-to-energy solutions, or zero-waste living can make a significant difference in reducing pollution and improving urban sustainability.
A group of young innovators could develop a mobile app that connects households and businesses to recycling centers, providing incentives for recycling while educating the public on the importance of waste reduction.
5. Climate Education and Digital Campaigns:
Youth are digital natives, and they can leverage social media platforms to educate peers and communities about climate change, its impacts on urban areas, and the importance of sustainable living. Through digital platforms, they can also engage with policymakers and push for climate-friendly policies at the local level.
6. Youth in Local Governance and Policy Making:
By being actively involved in municipal councils or through civic organizations, young people can influence local urban policies. Their involvement in governance ensures that the policies crafted are future-proof and address the realities of climate change and rapid urbanisation. Youth councils or environmental clubs could work with the Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA) and local municipalities to develop urban policies that prioritize climate resilience and sustainability, such as stricter regulations on construction materials or incentives for energy-efficient buildings.
7. Climate-Resilient Housing Projects:
In partnership with NGOs and international organizations, the youth can lead projects focused on building climate-resilient housing. This would be particularly important for the informal settlements in Eswatini’s urban centers that are most vulnerable to climate impacts like storms. A youth-led initiative could partner with global organizations like UN Habitat to design low-cost, climate-resilient housing prototypes for informal settlements in areas like Matsapha, helping reduce the risk of climate-induced displacement.
Youth leading climate and local action in Eswatini means taking ownership of the country’s urban future in the context of climate change. Through entrepreneurship, innovation, digital activism, and participation in local governance, young people can spearhead efforts that not only address the environmental challenges of urban areas but also provide sustainable solutions for future generations. The key to their success will be leveraging their unique skills, energy, and passion to drive community-based, scalable, and climate-conscious projects.
