{"id":37217,"date":"2023-03-11T17:41:42","date_gmt":"2023-03-11T17:41:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/changing-the-farming-is-dirty-business-script-to-attract-the-youth"},"modified":"2023-03-11T18:10:43","modified_gmt":"2023-03-11T18:10:43","slug":"changing-the-farming-is-dirty-business-script-to-attract-the-youth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/economy\/changing-the-farming-is-dirty-business-script-to-attract-the-youth","title":{"rendered":"Changing the \u2018farming is dirty business\u2019 script to attract the youth"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Often referred to as \u2018the future\u2019, the youth\u2019s engagement in various fields in agriculture was discussed and considered vital during a workshop in Kigali on March 7.<\/p>\n

The workshop aimed at sharing learning experiences on youth service provision in the agricultural sector, and giving access to finance to the youth in the sector.<\/p>\n

Some of the trainees at the workshop, dubbed \u2018STARLIT\u2019 (Strengthening Agriculture Resilience through Learning and Innovation) and organised by Cordaid\u2014 an internationally operating value-based emergency relief and development organisation\u2014told The New Times that the training was very helpful to them.<\/p>\n

24-year-old Pascaline Kampire from Kayonza was trained to use and maintain some of the machinery in agriculture. \u201cIt is such a privilege to be among the very few females who can maintain those machines that are used in cultivation. It is not just a source of income but also a motivation to consider a career in farming. If tractors are available, then why can\u2019t we invest in this business?,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Many young people perceive agriculture as an odd job, while Kampire considers it a safe bet when done with the right skills and innovation.<\/p>\n

Speaking to The New Times, Octave Nshimiyimana, the director general of Agricultural Value Chain and Trade at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), said the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), which is also the Seven Year Government Programme, set a target of areas under irrigation to increase from 48,508 ha (2017) to 102,284 ha in 2024. Currently, 68,126 ha are complete and mechanisation is at 36%.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know that climate change is a concern and so the seasons have changed and drought may attack some places. Rwanda decided to look further and brought some irrigation methods which should still be strengthened. So far the country has 501, 509 ha as the elaborated potential in the Revised Irrigation Master Plan,\u201d Nshimiyimana said.<\/p>\n

He said youth who are still sceptical about agriculture need more training and skills sessions and financial support so that they can easily get started.<\/p>\n

Bonifride Mukatabaruka, a Kayonza District resident, and president of the \u2018Duteraninkunga Nyamarebe\u2019 cooperative that specialises in maize farming told The New Times that being trained to do agriculture professionally with more innovation has helped them a lot.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are able to get the best harvest even if the climate is not friendly. We were trained on how to use irrigation machines and got three tonnes of harvest, we are now harvesting eight tonnes yet drought is around the corner,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Delphine Ikuzwe, a trainee and proud farmer by her own admission, urged the youth to never take agriculture for granted. \u201cInvesting in agriculture is no longer a thing to do for fun, it is a business like any other. It is not that easy, but today we have technology that people can use, for example, phones to get information, free of charge, and in a very time-saving way. I use some cultivation tractors and the irrigation machines and handle their maintenance, and that\u2019s a good source of income for me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Cordaid\u2019s country director, Patrick Birasa, explained why STARLIT chose the youth, \u201cWe want young people to know that it is more than just being dirty in agriculture. Having the youth engaged in this field is the only guarantee towards the best future of the agriculture sector.\u201d<\/p>\n

Patrick Birasa – Cordaid Country Director addresses the meeting on March 7<\/p>\n

Young Engagement in Agriculture<\/p>\n

Farmers<\/p>\n

Gvt Officials and Non-Gvt officials<\/p>\n\r\n