Zambia: The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, has encouraged youths to come up with innovative ideas to promote agriculture. The Minister has called on the people of the country to work on transforming the agriculture sector.
The aim of the Zambian Administration is to transform the agriculture sector into a viable business as it contributes towards fighting climate change. The Minister delivered a brief address at the Opportunities for Youth in Africa (OYA) graduation ceremony and final pitch day.
The event was hosted under the theme “Empowering young women and men in agribusiness to lead inclusive rural transformation in Africa”. 54 youngsters have graduating from the programme.
He expressed his confidence in the abilities of the youth. He stated that the initiatives of the youngsters can help in combating food insecurity in the country.
He tasked the youngsters to use their skills for the benefit of the people in the community. The Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO) hosted the graduation ceremony in partnership with Women’s Entrepreneurship Access Center (WEAC).
During the event, The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu has asked the FAO to extend their services to other institutions. The aim of this initiative is to ensure that other people can also get adequate training for them to be involved in agriculture.
The Minister of Youth also called on the organization to make sure that they get the skills they need in climate-smart agriculture and agribusiness.
The administration of the country wants to promote the country in order for them to be the agents of climate change mitigation.
FAO Country Representative Suze Filippini also delivered a brief address at the graduation ceremony. She said the organization is committed to reducing poverty and fostering inclusive rural transformation.
Additionally, Filippini explained that the transformation can be done through the enhancement of the agriculture business skills of Zambian youths. Additionally, they can work on promoting decent jobs within agripreneur systems.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Access Center (WEAC) Executive Director, Nambula Kachumi appreciated the administration’s efforts. They have supported various organizations in creating an enabling environment to support youths to transition successfully into the agricultural economy.