AGRICULTURE
National Youth Council of Malawi has equipped youths in Salima with skills and knowledge to drive sustainable change in agri-food sector.
On Saturday, the council visited some youths who ventured into farming under the Future of Food and Agriculture Project.
The council’s youth economic empowerment programmes manager Felix Chiyenda said they want the youth to embrace mindset change and venture into entrepreneurship to become financially independent.
He said: “We trained 40 youth leaders from 12 traditional authorities [T/As] in the district for a transformative session on mindset change and entrepreneurship.
“Participants exchanged valuable lessons on business management, preparing them to become innovative agri-entrepreneurs.”
Chikumbutso Edward, a farmer from Chimutu Village, T/A Chisamba, commended the project for equipping him with agribusiness skills.
He said: “As persons with disabilities, I believe we can also do better if we get opportunities. We need resources and skills to run businesses.
“Last year, I sold 20 bags of maize and generated income. I used the money to renovate my house.”
Edward advised his fellow youths to take advantage of the available resources and venture into agribusiness.
Another youth Matilda Phiri from Salima Village, T/A Salima commended the project, saying it instilled a mindset change among the youth.
“I am now into agriculture. It has been a good experience so far. This growing season, I grew maize and groundnuts,” she said.
The council is implementing the project with funding from Alliance for a Green revolution in Africa.
Through the project, the council is working with other partners, including Rural Market Development Trust, Malawi Agriculture and Industrial Investment Corporation, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tradeline, Farm Radio Trust and Farmers Union of Malaw
