Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
A GROUP of young people from Empandeni area in Mangwe District, Matabeleland Province has embarked on an innovative farming project aimed at providing a sustainable source of income for school dropouts.
Due to the district’s proximity to the border with Botswana, many youths who drop out of school are lured into illegal migration.
The group, Intuthuko Yabatsha Youth Group, which was formed in October last year, is driven by a passionate team of eight.
One of the members of the group, Ms Martha Sithole (22) said the project seeks to address the root causes of youth migration to neighbouring countries in search of work.
This often leads to engagement in criminal activities when opportunities are scarce.
“Our group was born out of necessity. Many youths in our community drop out of school due to various challenges, with financial constraints being a major factor,” said Ms. Sithole.
“I, myself, managed to reach A-Level, but with only four points, I couldn’t proceed due to lack of funds. Now, through our farming and craftwork, we have a means to earn a living.”
Ms Sithole was honoured as the best young farmer, a recognition that underscores the importance of youth involvement in agriculture.
The group operates from a community garden where they cultivate horticultural crops such as vegetables, onions, cabbages and tomatoes, which they sell to local boarding schools and community members.
They also produce handicrafts, including ox yokes, ingiga and indiwo.
Mr Marko Sithole (27), another member of the group, emphasised their ambition to expand the project to accommodate more youths and diversify their crop production.
“At the moment, our space limits us, but we focus on cash crops that bring quick and good returns. We’re also into value addition — drying vegetables and packaging tomatoes and onions for sale,” he explained.
“We also wish to venture into the production of small livestock.”
The group’s participation in the recent Matabeleland South Agricultural Show has not only bolstered their confidence but also provided them with crucial insights into smart agricultural practices and marketing strategies.
Another group member, Mr Emmanuel Ncube (27) expressed gratitude for the training they received in craft production and the exposure gained at the agricultural show.
“Farming, if taken seriously, can be a reliable source of income. Unfortunately, many youths turn to illegal activities such as drug abuse and robbery instead of engaging in productive community projects,” he noted.
The Intuthuko Yabatsha Youth Group’s story is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in fostering resilience and economic empowerment among young people.
Their journey highlights the potential for youth-driven solutions to combat unemployment and promote sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.
Mr Ncube said as the group continues to grow, they remain hopeful that their efforts will inspire more youths to join the fight against poverty and illegal migration.
“Our ultimate goal is to prove that with determination and support, young people can indeed transform their futures,” he said. — @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter