1. Introduction
Youth Action for Success and Development (YASD) is an innovative, youth-led organization based in Lilongwe, dedicated to community development through programs focusing on sexual and reproductive health, climate change, AGYW/ABYM empowerment, gender equality, and education. YASD prepares young people to discover their potential, educate themselves, and harness their capabilities to contribute positively towards achieving national developmental goals, including Malawi Vision 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Vision
A transformed society driven by youth and women’s participation in development activities, where youth and vulnerable groups have opportunities to grow economically, physically, and mentally, making them active contributors within their communities.

Mission
To serve and support youth and young women, promoting self-reliance and dignity by creating an environment where they are fulfilled and contribute constructively to society.

2. Main Programs
– Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights
– Climate Change
– Gender Justice
– Positive Youth Development
– Education

3. Current Initiatives
YASD recognizes the critical role of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs in impacting public health, social well-being, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The organization believes that waste can be an untapped resource that, when effectively utilized, creates green economic opportunities and secures public health. YASD is currently implementing self-help projects that foster entrepreneurial opportunities for youth and women while addressing social challenges. The organization champions waste innovations that demonstrate best practices in waste management and convert waste into wealth and opportunities.

By transforming waste into wealth, this project aims to improve community livelihoods, promote environmental sustainability, and establish a circular economy. The implementation of efficient waste management systems, waste-based enterprises, and community engagement helps turn waste into valuable resources, creating income opportunities and enhancing community well-being.

Additionally, YASD has actively championed the development of alternative and organic fertilizers to contribute to the wealth creation goals of Malawi Vision 2063 and the realization of the SDGs.

4. Waste Innovation Interventions

1. Carbonized Briquette Production: Utilizing agricultural residues to create briquettes, which provides entrepreneurial opportunities and promotes proper waste management in communities. The production process relies on sunlight for drying, making it challenging during the rainy season without a drying machine.

2. Bottle Cutting into Glass Tumblers: A strategic business where bottles are repurposed into glass tumblers sold for K500 to K750. YASD has trained approximately 1,800 youth and women in this initiative.

3. Plastic Weaving: Weaving plastics into mats and baskets.

4. Modern Organic Fertilizer Production: Collaborating with Mtandire, Area 24, and Masintha waste transfer stations in partnership with International Conservation and Clean-Up Management (ICCM).

5. Crystalline Urine Fertilizer Production: Harvesting human urine from bottle stores and households to create an effective alternative fertilizer.

6. Paper and Tissue Production: With support from MIET Africa, YASD trained students at Ngowe CDSS in paper recycling, making it the only public school recycling waste paper into tissue and paper products.

These initiatives empower youth and women economically and create green job opportunities. If well-utilized, these innovations can drive the three enablers of Malawi Vision 2063: mindset change, human capital development, and environmental sustainability.

5. Fertilizer Production Initiatives

  • The alternative fertilizer initiative began in March 2019 with funding from the Malawi-Scotland Partnership, piloted over six months in Mponera. The program was designed to be self-sustaining, focusing on testing methods and establishing application standards.

Methods

  • Multiplier Method: Based on the Mbeya fertilizer formula from Tanzania, adapted to local soil conditions.
  • Urine-Based Fertilizers: Producing both liquid and solid fertilizers with enhanced efficacy.

6. Impacts and Success of the Fertilizer Initiative

  • Empowered over 200 farmers, including youth and women, in areas such as Mchinji (TA Dambe and Nkanda), Dedza (TA Kachindamoto and TA Kamenyagwaza), and Dowa (TA Mponera). Participants reported increased farm yields.
  • Adoption by COWFA under ActionAid following training sessions.
  • Media coverage by various radio stations on fertilizer production and waste innovations.
  • Partnership with Lilongwe City Council on green innovations and waste management.

7. Future Initiatives to Be Championed

  • Mainstreaming climate change, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
  • Promoting agroecology for improved community livelihoods.
  • Training youth (AGYW/ABYM) in life skills to mitigate risky behaviors.
  • Enhancing digital literacy and skill development for youth.
  • Climate advocacy focused on loss and damage and adaptation strategies.

Recommendations

  • NYCOM should promote YASD’s initiatives and share their success stories on social media.
  • NYCOM should facilitate partnerships between youth-led organizations and key stakeholders.
  • Provide technical support for resource mobilization and partnership building.
  • NYCOM and the Ministry of Youth should engage with the Ministry of Agriculture to support organic farming initiatives by youth-led organizations like YASD.