Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
The integration of young people into national programmes such as the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan has been viewed as critical for agriculture sector growth.
The country’s horticulture sector is firmly on a growth trajectory, with Government projecting it to become a US\$2 billion industry by 2030, following a series of policy interventions aimed at revitalising the once-declining industry.
The turnaround comes under the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, launched by President Mnangagwa in 2021, which has seen exponential growth in key high-value crops.
In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), award-winning exporter and Kuminda chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Clarence Mwale, highlighted the need to empower young people.
“What if we gave young people access to land and taught farming through comprehensive programmes? What if we included young people in national programmes like the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan and produced crops in cooperatives for export through Kuminda?” he said.
The local business concern, Kuminda, is a multinational company founded in Zimbabwe and jointly owned by Mr Clarence Mwale and Mr Fred Matenga. Its main goal is to empower African farmers by linking them with international markets.
Mr Mwale said empowering the youths could help one, two or more who are suffering from drug and substance abuse, while also giving someone hope and healing.
He said young people need structure and purpose, as not all people have to be farmers, but all need employment to survive.
“Food agricultural industries that are well structured can create huge employment opportunities for young people. Young people need jobs and income,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kuminda also empowers and capacitates small-scale farmers through marketing strategies, branding and packaging to ensure their products are competitive on export markets.
Young Farmers Collective vice-chairperson, Mr Clive Munakandafa, said embracing innovation by youth farmers could boost production for good yields.
The youths constitute over 60 percent of the national population and young agriculture entrepreneurs continue to emerge in the country, taking up farming as a viable career option.
This growing interest by young people continues to contribute to food security in the country. Known for being tech-savvy, young farmers in Zimbabwe are being called on to use modern technology effectively in their agricultural production.
“Youth farmers play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s agricultural industry as they bring new perspectives and skills that are key to revolutionising the sector.
“They are quicker to adapt to new innovation and technology, which is why we are calling on them to utilise these through precision agriculture, drones and mobile apps. These are essential in reducing waste of produce and increasing efficiency, leading to higher yields,” said Mr Munakandafa.
