Agriculture Reporter

Government is determined to empower youths with relevant agricultural skills and is currently conducting a capacity-building workshop for youths in Mazowe Bridge, Rushinga.

A group of 200 young people is currently undergoing an intensive capacity-building programme aimed at preparing them to take over the agricultural production processes from the older generation of farmers.

The training, which commenced on Sunday and ends tomorrow, is part of a broader effort that has already seen 5000 young youths trained in various aspects of farming.

This move aligns with the Government's goal to integrate 65 percent of the youth population into the nation's agricultural development, underpinning the economic future of Zimbabwe.

Chief Programmes Coordinator at the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development youth desk, Nickros Kajengo, emphasized the programme's objective of fostering a vibrant and prosperous agricultural sector.

"We want an economy that is sustained by youths in agriculture, ensuring they contribute significantly to agriculture's gross domestic product (GDP)," Kajengo stated.

Kajengo further encouraged the youth to leverage the conducive agribusiness environment in Zimbabwe to partake actively in developmental matters.

According to Kajengo, the initiative also seeks to address the growing concern about drug and substance abuse among rural youths by promoting agriculture as a viable and rewarding alternative.

 "By investing in agriculture and discouraging such practices, we can ensure that our vision for 2030 is fully realized," Kajengo added.

Kajengo revealed that the curriculum covers a wide array of topics, including horticulture, poultry farming, financial literacy, mechanization, community development, and entrepreneurship.

“Participants who complete the programme will receive certificates in a ceremony scheduled for April 12, 2024. An added benefit of the programme is the distribution of tractors and poultry to youths and institutions, further empowering them and promoting development in the agriculture sector,” said Kajengo.

Kajengo also highlighted the programme's potential to boost agro-tourism in the country, aligning with the principle of 'leaving no one and no place behind.'

“Participants will have the opportunity to engage in activities such as fishing and exploring the natural forests. They will also eat indigenous fruits, tubers, and wild vegetables that are found in the area," said Kajengo, underscoring the holistic approach of the training programme.

Meanwhile, this agricultural training programme is a testament to the Government's dedication to nurturing a new generation of farmers, ready to steer the country towards a sustainable and prosperous future in agriculture.