Study unveils gaps in youth ventures’ financing, training
Research that Heifer International conducted in 11 countries including Malawi indicates that lack of funds and training is hindering the youth from participating in activities in agriculture sector.
The findings, which were released in Lilongwe, also show that there is low agricultural technology adoption with only 23 percent of youth engagement in agriculture using any form of technology.
The report was launched in Lilongwe on the future of Africa’s agriculture, focusing on assessing of the role of youth and technology.
The report said training, access to agriculture technology and the need for government financial support were significant to support the youth and encourage their involvement in their agriculture.
Locally, the research finds that, while 88 percent of young people are engaged in agriculture, very few are into agro-processing and use agriculture technology.
Land ownership is also a challenge among the youth.
Heifer International Country Director Mwai Chitete said the report has recommended the need to put deliberate policies to support the youth in the agriculture sector.
“Government can also use this report to see which areas to be addressed so that we have full involvement of the youth in the agriculture sector. Other development partners can also use this report when developing policies,” she said.
One of the youth and owner Mcheneka farm Joy Chapeta says the lending institutions have no financial policies that are favourable, making it impossible for the youth to make it in agriculture.
“The lending institutions have higher interest rates,” she said.
Heifer National Research Coordinator Patricia Mayuni said the organisation would capitalise on the gaps to package messages that would cater for the youth.
