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Elton Manguwo
THE just-ended Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit has presented youths in the agriculture sectors of the countries in the bloc with an opportunity to collaborate and share notes.
Youth desk chief programmes coordinator in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Nickros Kajengo yesterday said the summit had provided a platform for young farmers, agripreneurs and agriculture-related organisations from the SADC region to come together and explore innovative ways of enhancing agricultural practices, facilitate technology transfer and identify investment opportunities.
“Participants can share insights on successful agricultural techniques, sustainable farming methods, and innovative business models that have worked in their respective countries,” said Mr Kajengo highlighting how this cross-pollination of ideas could inspire new approaches and help address common challenges faced by the youth in the agriculture sector.
He said the country’s role for food security could attract the attention of potential investors, development organisations and strategic partners interested in supporting youth-led agricultural initiatives in the region.
“By facilitating collaborative platforms and showcasing the innovative potential of young farmers and agripreneurs, Zimbabwe can attract investment, technology transfer and the formation of new partnerships that can further strengthen its agricultural capabilities and that of the SADC region,” said Mr Kajengo.
He added that the collaborative efforts could not only bolster Zimbabwe’s capacity as the food provider but also create new economic opportunities and sustainable agricultural development across the SADC countries.
The SADC Summit provided a unique opportunity for Zimbabwe to facilitate collaboration and coordination among the member countries in the agriculture sector.
“In charge of food security, Zimbabwe can catalyse the development of regional agricultural strategies, joint initiatives, and cross-border partnerships that can optimise resource utilisation, share best practices, and address common challenges,” said Mr Kajengo.
The summit week saw a diverse array of workshops, seminars and training sessions tailored specifically for young farmers and agripreneurs covering a wide range of topics, including sustainable farming techniques, modern agribusiness management, strategies for improving market access and financial literacy.
“By participating in these comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, the youth will gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively contribute to the region’s food security efforts,” said Mr Kajengo.
The summit provided a dedicated platform for young farmers and agripreneurs to voice their concerns, priorities, and aspirations directly to policymakers and regional government leaders.
“By facilitating this dialogue, the summit empowers the youth to become active stakeholders in shaping the future of agriculture in the SADC region,” said Mr Kajengo underlining that the inclusive approach would enable the development of agricultural policies that are tailored to the unique circumstances and requirements of the youth.
The landmark event offered a unique and invaluable platform for young farmers and agripreneurs to engage in collaborative initiatives, enhance their skills and knowledge, advocate for inclusive policies, build valuable networks, access mentorship opportunities, and showcase their success stories.
Zimbabwe Young Farmers Trust president Mr Josephat Tanga highlighted that the workshops held on the side-lines of the summit provided a vital platform for young farmers to benefit from the region’s innovation and industrialisation agenda, enabling them to learn about emerging opportunities in the region.
“Farmers who attended the summit workshops can unlock a wealth of knowledge to enhance their agricultural enterprises, improve their productivity and profitability and contribute to the region’s overall food security and economic prosperity,” said Mr Tanga.
Online Reporter