KZN Govt Get Behind Youth Farmers

BuaNews (Tshwane)

Kemantha Govender

29 June 2011

Durban — Youth farmer Noah Nyawo wants more input from the KwaZulu-Natal government to bolster agriculture activities.

The twenty-three year old farmer was just one of hundreds that voiced their concerns at the KZN Youth Summit on Sustainable Agricultural Development.

“The summit was progressive. We put forward lots of issues. Our biggest thing is that we have not been considered when the budgets have been draw up, yet we have potential and energy to be successful in farming,” said the young Richards Bay farmer.

The young farmers called for a budget review for youth projects, improved communication with youth structures and facilitation of access to markets.

Nyawo said youth farmers need to be able to find a place in the local municipal markets first before being able to compete with the export markets.

“We hear about the Dube Trade Port all the time, but for now we need entry into the domestic market. We want to be able to compete in our domestic market first before thinking internationally. We just don’t want to grow tomatoes, we also want to learn how to process them as well. And this is where we are right now,” said Nyawo.

He added that most farmers are operating on a small scale with very little resources and need assistance from government into becoming medium size farmers.

“For our farms to become more productive we need, resources and that include programs to teach the youth about environmental matters and global warming,” said Nyawo.

The KZN Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development after Tuesday’s summit have pledged to avail more funds to support agricultural youth initiatives. A substantial increase on its budget for youth projects is expected to be made.

MEC Lydia Johnson praised the youth for displaying commitment towards owning processes of their own development.

“I see activists who are taking today’s struggle against unemployment and poverty forward. Young people who are not just complaining about the problems they have but are instead doing something solve them and at the same time make a meaningful contribution to the country’s economy.

“We want to support you so that your efforts may begin to translate into tangible benefits in food security programs and the economic development of our province. We want to see you become fully fledged commercial farmers who are running successful businesses,” said Johnson.

The department’s contribution will not only limited to financial support but is also geared more towards training, capacity building in terms of skills development and giving information in order for the youth to have the know-how of running successful businesses.

The Head of the Department, Sizwe Mkhize, assured young people of a 100 percent financial support if they come up with sound sustainable, environmental and agricultural projects.

“We will spare no effort to promote agriculture as a profession so that young people can see it as attractive and a worthwhile career to pursue… The department is prioritizing the youth program and the KZN youth policy will be developed in consultation with all youth formations,” said Johnson.

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