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Eden Simbarashe Mandava
EXCITEMENT is building ahead of the 2024 Young Farmer Awards ceremony slated for December 6 at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) arena to celebrate young farmers’ various achievements, innovations and invaluable contributions to the economy.
The event will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training. The two ministries’ joint efforts underscore the Government’s commitment to empowering the youth and recognising their pivotal role in driving agricultural development in Zimbabwe.
Chief director in Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka’s group captain Givemore Taveshure, chief programmes coordinator for the Agriculture Youth Desk in the Ministry, Mr Nickros Kajengo (overseeing coordination and communication), director in the Ministry Mr Sibangilizwe Dhlodhlo and director of Youth Development Mrs Theresa Mupanduki among other dignitaries will attend the ceremony.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) executive director Mr Paul Zakariya will lead the resource mobilisation efforts supported by the Zimbabwe Youth Council.
“To ensure the smooth hosting of this significant event, specific responsibilities have been assigned to various offices. The ZFU youth department, ZAS and the Coalition of Agricultural Groups of Zimbabwe (CAGOZ) will spearhead the adjudication process. This structured approach is designed to maintain transparency and fairness in the selection of winners across various award categories.
“One of the highlights of the Young Farmer Awards is the opportunity for winners to participate in international exchanges, with plans for trips to South Korea, China, Rwanda, and Uganda. My desk is currently coordinating these engagements and please note that the awards not only recognise young farmers’ achievements but also foster growth and learning through global exposure,” Mr Kajengo said.
This year’s awards feature an impressive array of categories, each designed to spotlight the diverse talents and contributions by young farmers. The categories include: best grain producer, best cash crop producer, best exporter, best organized youth groups in agriculture, best youth associations in agriculture, best practices in ICT and innovation in agriculture, best media coverage of agricultural news for youth and best youth desks in Government.
Mr Kajengo said the categories reflected the country’s evolving agriculture landscape and aligned with the national Vision 2030 initiative, as championed by President Mnangagwa. The vision aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 with youth empowerment playing a crucial role in attainment of the goal.
“All stakeholders—farmers, media, government officials and the general public—are invited to engage and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our young farmers. This event is not just about awards; it’s about fostering a culture of recognition, inspiration and collaboration that will drive the future of agriculture in Zimbabwe,” added Mr Kajengo.
Mark your calendars for December 6, 2024, and join us at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society for a day of celebration, learning, and empowerment. Together, let’s honor the young pioneers who are shaping the future of our agricultural landscape
Online Reporter