The “Empowering Youth through Agriculture” program aims to provide unemployed youth in our community with essential skills and knowledge in agriculture and small business management. The primary goal is to equip these individuals with the tools they need to start and sustain their own agriculture businesses, thereby fostering economic independence and contributing to the community’s overall well-being.

The 2-year learnership is a pivotal component of the project, providing participants with the opportunity to apply their training in real-world settings. This practical experience is designed to reinforce learning, build confidence, and enhance employability.

• Implementation: Participants will work on community farms, partner with local agricultural businesses, and engage in hands-on projects that mirror real-life scenarios. Mentorship from experienced farmers and business owners will be a key feature of the learnership.
• Outcomes: By the end of the learnership, participants will have practical experience in managing agricultural operations, solving problems, and making business decisions. They will also build networks within the agriculture sector, increasing their chances of future employment or business collaboration.

Training Overview

The training program is comprehensive, covering various aspects of agriculture and business:

• Poultry Farming: Participants will learn about poultry management, including breeding, feeding, disease control, and marketing. They will gain hands-on experience in setting up and managing a poultry farm.
• Piggery: Establishing and running a Pig farm
• Vegetable and Herb Garden Farming: This module will teach the basics of natural farming, soil preparation, planting techniques, pest control, and harvesting. Emphasis will be on sustainable practices that maximize yield and minimize environmental impact. Agri-Processing will be included in the practical training
• Generating Income from Agriculture Produce: Participants will be guided on how to turn their agricultural products into income streams. This includes training on market analysis, value addition, branding, and sales strategies.
• Citrus Farming: Participants will learn how to plant, grow, maintain, harvest and process citrus fruits
• Growing an Agriculture Business: This component focuses on business growth strategies, financial management, business planning, and scaling operations. Participants will learn how to create business plans, secure funding, and navigate the challenges of growing an agricultural enterprise.
• Agri-Technical: Driving a tractor and maintaining equipment, setting up irrigation systems, alternative energy and fencing is essential to farming.

Impact and Benefits:

The project is designed to have a significant positive impact on the community:

• Economic Empowerment: By equipping youth with the skills to start and grow their own businesses, the project promotes economic self-sufficiency and reduces unemployment.
• Community Development: Successful agriculture businesses can contribute to local food security, provide employment opportunities, and stimulate economic activity in the community.
• Sustainability: The focus on sustainable farming practices ensures that the project contributes to environmental conservation while promoting agricultural productivity.
• Social Impact: Empowering youth through education and practical experience fosters a sense of purpose and community engagement, reducing social issues related to unemployment and poverty.