The Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) SA Gauteng chairperson, Dimpho Xaba, said agriculture plays a central role in providing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people.
Xaba addressed the attendees on advancing the agricultural revolution to empower young people during the Ekurhuleni Agricultural College (EAC) Youth Day event in Cloverdene, on June 14.
The college held the event in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to discuss the benefits of agriculture and how young people can benefit from the sector.
It was attended by stakeholders African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA), Community Media Trust (CMT), Kids Haven, students and community members.
Xaba explained the youth play vibrant and diverse roles as food producers to contribute to the food and nutritional security of their households and communities.
As entrepreneurs and innovators, young people leverage technology to revolutionise agribusiness and as agents of change, they create awareness in communities on ways to become more resilient to climate change like the recent drought and natural disasters that hit some parts of the country, said Xaba.
He added YARD SA’s purpose includes promoting and improving the active participation of the youth in the agricultural sector and understanding and responding to young people’s needs by implementing appropriate programmes, policies and services.
Kea Mguni of AFASA stated it’s important for young people to join the organisation as it facilitates the development of African farmers to increase their participation in the agricultural sector.
The NYDA shared some of its products and services, including the national youth service programme aimed to assist the youth in acquiring occupational skills necessary to access sustainable opportunities.
The CMT addressed the young people on the importance of HIV prevention.
EAC student Fiona Sefara encouraged young girls to participate in agriculture, highlighting that the sector isn’t for men only.
The EAC’s Katlego Ranaka thanked the speakers for sharing valuable information about the agricultural sector, adding those in attendance benefitted.
“The event went well. We were blessed by the presence of AFASA, YARD SA, CMT and others whose representatives engaged our students and community members. Our attendees benefited a lot. As a college, we are happy to have organised this event, which gave valuable information to our young people about the agriculture sector,” Ranaka said.
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