Page 53 - 80 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER IMPACT WITH FAO

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Yunji Jung
FOOD, FUTURE AND THE FIGHT AGAINST DESERTIFICATION
“I’ve also seen firsthand that Africa is home to a rich diversity
of ancient and indigenous crops—nutritious, climate-resilient
and full of potential. Strengthening food security here
can empower local communities and support sustainable
development far beyond the continent."
Yunji Jung, UN Volunteer from the Republic of Korea,
supported women and young people through hands-on
agroecology training in Senegal. [UNV, 2024].
Animal farming and livestock
“Food represents our past, present, and future,” says Yunji Jung, UN
Volunteer from the Republic of Korea with FAO Senegal. “It is the
foundation of every sector—education, health, the economy, even
culture.”
Yunji’s connection to Africa began during her first field experience in
Senegal as a UN University Volunteer with WFP. That experience inspired
her to study Development Economics, and later join the Korea-Africa
Foundation, where she discovered the Great Green Wall project. “Its 49
transformative vision to fight desertification and build resilience deeply
inspired me,” she explains.
That same inspiration led her back to Senegal—not as a visitor, but as
a UN Volunteer with FAO, working directly on the Great Green Wall
project. She supported women and young people through hands-on
agroecological training, including sessions on how to use modern
machinery to package their oil and soap products for sale. “What I
enjoyed most was engaging directly with local communities,” she shared.
“Hearing their stories, understanding their challenges, and seeing how
our support empowered them to take action against desertification was
incredibly meaningful to me.”
As FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, Yunji feels proud to have
contributed to its legacy. “It’s an honour to be part of an organization
that leads global efforts for food security and sustainable development.
I hope to stay engaged in this mission for years to come.”