AFRICA’s agricultural transformation is attainable if youths are engaged in high farming, a 2014 AgriBiz for Africa Youth Competition winner Nickson Muturi has said.
Speaking during the second high-level African Union private sector agribusiness forum in Kigali recently, Mr Muturi noted that African governments should develop profitable agricultural policies that will enable youths engage in farming.
The meeting, which attracted participants across Africa, was running under the theme ‘Transforming Africa’s agriculture for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods: harnessing opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable development.’
Mr Muturi said, “I am suggesting that we need to have role models in the agriculture sector that will inspire the youths to engage in farming as that will have potential to transform the sector in Africa.”
Additionally, chairperson for chamber of young entrepreneurs in Rwanda Lydie Hakizimana said it’s time African leaders paid attention to youths in agriculture.
Ms Hakizimana noted that youths in agriculture are not given better incentives and that is why majority of them leave the sector.
And Nigeria’s Fresh and Young Brains development initiative chairperson Nkiruka Nnaemego said the youths in agriculture not only need role models but mentors.
Ms Nnaemego said Africa needs to introduce awards scheme that will motivate youths in the agriculture sector.
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