…Training Program by Woman Farmer Foundation
BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
SIDVOKODVO – “We truly believe that the future of the Agriculture Sector is in good hands”.
These were the words of Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Sydney Simelane, when delivering his congratulations to youth who were graduating from the Innovative Climate Smart Youth Tunnel Production Training Program.
The joyous occasion took place on Friday at Rider’s Ranch, Sidvokodvo, following the three month training program offered by the Woman Farmer Foundation (WFF).
Speaking to the graduates, the Principal Secretary congratulated them on behalf of the Ministry for their dedication to the future of sustainable agriculture.
“The Ministry of Agriculture is thrilled to see young people taking the initiative to learn about climate smart agricultural practices. We truly believe that the future of the Agriculture Sector is in good hands,” said the Principal Secretary.
He also applauded the WFF Director Sonia Paiva for her dedication to the young agripreneurs.
Also speaking on the day was Nedbank SME Manager, Sive Shabangu. He delivered words of motivation, and shared that funding for agricultural business was there, urging the youth to focus on market needs to ensure to increase their chances of success. Shabangu also cautioned the youth to consider how they plan to manage funds in order to effectively grow their businesses.
“Getting funds, especially for agricultural businesses, is the easy part. Once you get the funds, how do you manage them? How do you keep your records or re-invest the money so your business grows,” said the Nedbank SME Manager, challenging the agripreneurs.
Echoing his words was former student Mlungisi Mdluli, who shared how after the program, he went on to win funding from MTN for his agribusiness. He shared how, even though he went into farming livestock, the knowledge he gained from the program helped him progress in his business.
He also shared how the program also opened doors for him through the trainers from various institutions who were brought on to train them. Through the program he was able to meet representatives from different institutions in the agricultural and financing space and network with them.
Among other attendees at the graduation were representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nedank, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
According to WFF Communication Officer Mpumalanga Zwane, the training program was designed to build capacity of youth on climate smart innovative tunnel production, and agri-business management to subsequently combat youth unemployment and improve sustainable livelihoods. She added that students’ capacity is developed on access to finance, food safety, agricultural insurance, and access to markets.
The project was conceived in 2021 and this was the third cohort of young people to undertake the training program where students were equipped with alternative skills to accelerate their horticulture enterprises through Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) to adapt and mitigate Climate Change Impacts (CCI).
As the foundation completes this round of training, it is already in the process of preparing to welcome a new cohort of students. The Communications Officer, Mpumalanga Zwane shared that the next trainings will start in August 2023 and queries should be directed to 7602 7207 for those interested in joining.
