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Elton Manguwo
THE country’s agricultural programmes continue to receive regional recognitions with the Government set to receive an award in Uganda for growing youth participation in the sector.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development youth desk chief programmes co-ordinator, Mr Nickros Kajengo said the agricultural youth desk has been awarded for its outstanding contribution in mainstreaming young farmers in the sector.
“Youth engagement in agriculture is key for development as besides employment creation the young farmers bring in fresh energy and skills for maximum production and growth of the sector,” said Mr Kajengo.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for early next month from July 2 to 17.
Commenting on his previous trip to Uganda last year Mr Kajengo said the youth in the country were highly innovative as they were actively involved in value chains of production and processing for value addition.
The two economies of Zimbabwe and Uganda both being agro-based and sharing similar climatic conditions provide a strong platform for interaction.
The trip will facilitate a platform for co-operation and exchanging notes on production between the two countries.
“Following our last visit, the concept of youth hubs which is running in Zimbabwe has also been adopted in Uganda where they are also training young farmers on various agriculture skills and given an opportunity to showcase their innovation capabilities,” said Mr Kajengo.
The youth desk is making efforts to increase participation og the young ones in agriculture.
To date, 4 000 young farmers have been trained on sustainable farming practices, the history of the agrarian reform, farming as business, financial literacy, value addition crops and livestock production basics.
“We are calling upon the young people to participate in agriculture as primary production remains a key aspect in economic development. The youth must take advantage of the sound agribusiness and level business environment in the country,” said Mr Kajengo.
Government has been urging youths to partner with universities to advance research in the innovation hubs.
“Youth engagement in agriculture continues to be an important aspect of the country’s development through new energy and skills for maximum production and growth of the agriculture sector.
“The country being agro-based requires young people to be absorbed into the mainstream economy through participation in the entire agriculture value chain,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter