GCSAYN Celebrates Outstanding Youth Impact and Recognizes All Active Centers of Excellence for 2026
GCSAYN recognizes its full network of partner institutions and individual hosts for their contribution to the 2026 internship program, and celebrates two members’ journeys highlighting the impact of climate-smart agriculture training. Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) is a dynamic network of youth-serving individuals and partner organizations with a strong interest in Climate Smart Agriculture and sustainable agriculture. Our network encompasses 170 countries in Africa, Asia, the USA, Latin America, and Europe, through connection utilizing online platforms, where members share findings and seek practical advice for their projects and activities.
2026 Centres of Excellence Recognition
GCSAYN is pleased to recognize the partner institutions and individual hosts whose collaboration made possible a network of 84 interns placed in 2026. Three institutions received special distinctions for their exceptional contribution:
- City of Mercy Christian Academy (CMCA), Nigeria – — Most Outstanding and Impactful Center of Excellence 2026
- The University of the Gambia — Most Committed Center of Excellence 2026
- Rift Valley National Polytechnic (RVNP), Kenya — Most Consistent Center of Excellence 2026
Full List of 2026 Centers of Excellence
A total of 84 interns were placed across partner institutions and individual hosts in 2026, namely: University of Kabianga (1 intern), City of Mercy Academic Christian School (12 interns), Kaduna State University (6 interns), Rift Valley National Polytechnic (10 interns), University of The Gambia (13 interns), University of Zambia (5 interns), Mevick Academic Complex (8 interns), Timtop Academy Jos (10 interns), University of Jos (3 interns), ICAD Interns (7 interns), and Individuals (9 interns). These awards reflect each institution’s sustained dedication to nurturing the next generation of climate-smart agricultural leaders, and their commitment to GCSAYN’s mission of building a more food-secure, sustainable future across Africa.
Inspiring Success Stories from the GCSAYN Network
From Rural Roots to Agricultural Leadership: Gabriel Ngassa Kome
Gabriel Ngassa Kome grew up in rural Cameroon, where agriculture was long regarded within his family as a fallback rather than a profession. Today, he stands as a model of what agricultural entrepreneurship can achieve. Since 2022, he has transformed family land into a diversified agribusiness, combining plantain and cocoa intercropping with integrated rabbit, chicken, and goat farming. His closed-loop system, which channels livestock byproducts back into crop production, has strengthened his own yields and inspired neighbouring farmers to adopt similar practices. Beyond his farm, Gabriel trains young people interested in agribusiness, hosts farm visits, and provides local employment, reinforcing his vision of agriculture as a dignified and profitable career path for African youth. He is now preparing to scale his operation to industrial-level production.
“The earth, crops, and animals have become part of me. My goal now is to make healthy food available and adequately distributed through industrial-scale agriculture,”
From Uncertainty to Global Opportunity: Abena Takyiwa Gyan
Abena Takyiwa Gyan’s path into agriculture began unexpectedly. Originally aspiring to study Political Science, she was instead admitted to Agribusiness Management at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). What started as an unfamiliar field soon became a personal calling, shaped by witnessing the daily struggles of farmers in her own community. After officially joining GCSAYN Global on 24 April 2026, Abena quickly distinguished herself through consistency and active participation, ultimately earning a seat on the Youth Advisory Panel. Less than a month after joining, she secured a fully funded scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Comparative Law, Economics, and Finance at the International University College of Turin, Italy. Her story is not simply about receiving a scholarship, it is about what becomes possible when young people are given access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, global networks, and platforms that believe in their potential.
“We cannot build the future while ignoring the lessons of the past.”
About GCSAYN
The Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) is a youth-led network founded by Mr. Divine Ntiokam, dedicated to empowering young people in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and agribusiness leadership. Through mentorship, training, internships, and global partnerships, GCSAYN equips young leaders with the skills, exposure, and networks needed to drive food security and environmental sustainability across Africa and beyond.
Media Contact
Executive Office of the Executive Director (EOED)
Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN Global)
Email: info@csaynglobal.org
Website: www.csaynglobal.org
