Written by Young Farmers’ Clubs Zimbabwe
Fourth post from the Agripreneurship Summit 2013
Opportunities for youths in agriculture and agricultural sustainability through youth development
The youth of today and the youth of tomorrow will be accorded an almost unequaled opportunity for great accomplishment and for human service- Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler
Presented by Dr M Mutema
Dr Mutema started off his address citing how the United Nations has predicted a global population growth of approximately 2.5 billion by 2050 which poses an important question,
Who is there to feed these people?
This has become a huge challenge which requires innovative solutions, technologies and action oriented youths to spearhead this initiative and develop action plans towards sustaining the population with adequate food security.
Dr Mutema further elaborated on the need to create a land market which will make land tradable and will therefore allow owners to use it as collateral when approaching banks and other financial institutions.
The agripreneurs were also enlightened on opportunities in agriculture such as the CREATE FUND which can assist youth in setting up projects. The youths were also said to be the talk of development, as most development partners are seeking strategies to better the lives of young people.
However, innovation was said to be extremely crucial and is a vital ingredient in identifying and ceasing opportunities available for young people.
More emphasis was made on strategic lobby and advocacy for issues affecting youths. Critical steps in lobby and advocacy will entail coordinated and vibrant youth structures. Dr Mutema encouraged the youths to put up concerted efforts as the power to influence lies within the numbers. He concluded commending ZFU for such an initiative which is crucial at a time when the world seeks solutions to address unemployment among the current youth generation.
Youth at the Agripreneurship Summit 2013
Young Farmers' Clubs (Zimbabwe) 