Youth Stories
Youth stories
Explore the stories shared by young people Across Africa and Europe about the food systems in their cities and inspiring action—both online and in their communities—on the issues that matter to them.

Sharing diverse voices
AfriFOODlinks ambassadors are taking on urban food system challenges by working directly with their communities. They raise awareness, amplify voices that often go unheard, and lead hands-on city-level activations to make food systems more inclusive, sustainable, and fair.
Their efforts range from organising market tours and running environmental workshops to working closely with informal vendors like women fishmongers and vegetable sellers. These vendors play a vital role in bringing fresh, affordable produce to cities. By shining a light on their contributions and the challenges they face, the ambassadors push for better support and recognition for those facing significant challenges in their daily work in urban food systems.
Through storytelling, they share real-life experiences that highlight how urban food systems affect people’s everyday lives. These personal accounts don’t just inform—they give a glimpse into the mosaic of actors that drive urban food systems. They provide fresh perspectives, foster understanding, and encourage practical, community-driven solutions.
By combining action and advocacy, the project ambassadors are helping to reshape how we think about and manage urban food systems, one step at a time.

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Voice of change: Sambazah's story
Submitted by Filbert Minja
- Arusha, Tanzania
Sambazah is a digital platform that connects food and grocery vendors with consumers, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Arusha’s marketplace. Launched in 2016, it faced early challenges, including technical failures and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Without borders against waste
Submitted by Francesca Allemano
- Turin, Italy
Since 2016, Ecco dalle Città has been transforming Turin’s market surplus into opportunities for change. By recovering unsold fruits and vegetables, they fight food waste while providing meals to those in need.
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Seeds of change: How Fattoria Roggero blends farming, conservation, and community
Submitted by Francesca Allemano
- Turin, Italy
Nestled in Rivoli’s scenic moraine hills, Fattoria Roggero champions beekeeping, biodiversity, and sustainability. Bees are the heartbeat of their work, vital for ecosystems and food security, enhancing crop quality while thriving in chemical-free mountain areas. Collaborating with Coldiretti Torino, they ensure a healthy, biodiverse environment through regular environmental checks.
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Explore videos
Dakar : Carrefour de la diversité et du potentiel du système alimentaire
Submitted by Abass National
- Dakar , Senegal
Dans ce reportage vidéo, je m’intéresse au marché des légumes de Dakar, un lieu emblématique où se révèle la diversité du système alimentaire de la capitale sénégalaise. Ce marché est un véritable carrefour de savoirs, où producteurs locaux et consommateurs se rencontrent, offrant une large variété de légumes frais en provenance des zones rurales environnantes.
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À travers les échanges avec marchands et producteurs, nous découvrons l’importance de l’agriculture urbaine, la gestion durable des ressources et les solutions aux défis alimentaires en milieu urbain. Ce reportage met en lumière le rôle essentiel de ces marchés dans la sécurité alimentaire de Dakar et explore leur contribution à un système plus inclusif et résilient.
Voice of change: Sambazah's story
Submitted by Filbert Minja
- Arusha, Tanzania
Sambazah is a digital platform that connects food and grocery vendors with consumers, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Arusha’s marketplace. Launched in 2016, it faced early challenges, including technical failures and the COVID-19 pandemic.
More info
Under the leadership of Loibulu, Sambazah successfully relaunched in 2023, focusing on groceries and food. Now operating in Kilombero, Soko Kuu, and Samonge, it plays a crucial role in strengthening local food supply chains.
As part of Arusha’s food system, Sambazah helps vendors reach more customers, supports sustainable food distribution, and enhances regional food security through digital innovation. By bridging traditional markets and modern consumer needs, it ensures fresh, local produce remains accessible.
Without borders against waste
Submitted by Francesca Allemano
- Turin, Italy
Since 2016, Ecco dalle Città has been transforming Turin’s market surplus into opportunities for change. By recovering unsold fruits and vegetables, they fight food waste while providing meals to those in need.
More info
Beyond food distribution, the organisation empowers individuals facing economic hardship by offering jobs in collection, production, and distribution. This approach provides a second life to surplus food while fostering employment and social inclusion.
Their initiative blends sustainability with compassion, ensuring that good food doesn’t go to waste but instead supports those who need it most. By combining environmental responsibility with social impact, Ecco dalle Città turns surplus produce into a lifeline for both people and the planet.