How do Rural Youth make their Voices Heard in Climate Change Planning in Andean Communities? A Case Study from the Mantaro Valley, Central Peru

Abstract

This participatory research provides an analysis of youth voices in climate change planning. It explores how communities assess and mitigate climate change impacts, opportunities and barriers to youth participation and strategies to further rural youth engagement in climate change. Research methods include focus group discussions, interviews, and video-based fieldwork. Results are based on grounded theory. Findings show severe weather patterns, soil degradation, water scarcity, diseases and pests and many more at national, regional and local levels. This indicates female youth empowerment, capacity development, university-community partnership, working with high-school youth, and an intersectoral approach to social services. Recommendations include education and training for youth, policies that include youth as main players at the national level. Addressing family migration and retaining youth along with providing communication technologies at the regional level. Lastly, awareness and transformative approaches to social and gender norms at the community level along with having a web of support.