Mkwananzi, FaithCin, MelisNcube, GlenMuntanga, WillardDe Bruyn, PaulMehl, Seth2026-02-052026-02-052026Faith Mkwananzi, Melis Cin, Glen Ncube, Willard Muntanga, Paul de Bruyn & Seth Mehl (2026) Ecological Heritage and Relational Informal Learning for Youth Development in Southern Africa, Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 27:1, 10-35, DOI: 10.1080/19452829.2025.2604140.1945-2829 (print)1945-2837 (online)10.1080/19452829.2025.2604140http://hdl.handle.net/2263/107850DATA AVAILABILITY : The data for this project are situated in the countries where the research was conducted. To obtain access to the data, please contact Dr. Faith Mkwananzi at the University of the Free State, South Africa.This paper situates itself at the nexus of youth development and ecological heritage in Southern Africa, critically engaging with enduring challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and the gradual erosion of cultural identity. It examines the potential of Moringa oleifera as a key ecological resource for fostering sustainable livelihoods and reinforcing localised ecological and cultural heritage. Drawing on participatory methodologies including intergenerational learning sessions, field visits, policy dialogues, and knowledge exchanges, complemented by a short documentary, we explore how ecological heritage and relational informal learning can cultivate collective productive capabilities within emerging Moringa industries. Two key insights emerge from the study. First, relational informal learning rooted in community, land, and intergenerational ties demonstrates that ecological heritage can support sustainable livelihoods through culturally embedded knowledge, locally accessible resources, and ecologically resilient practices. Second, the interplay between intergenerational learning and ecological heritage produces collective productive capabilities that foster shared, economically oriented agency, enabling communities to create, organise, and sustain livelihood possibilities while engaging youth in socio-ecological care.en© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.Ecological heritageEmpowermentMoringa oleiferaParticipatory approachesSouthern AfricaYouth developmentArticle