The Agrihub Nigeria team recently participated in the Learning and Reflection Forum on Creating Employment Opportunities for Rural Youth under the Integrated Agribusiness Hub (ABH) Program, co-funded by BMZ, VISA Foundation, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The IFAD-organized forum took place in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders from different African countries, all united by the common goal of improving the employment prospects of young people in agriculture.
The forum aimed to promote the exchange of experiences, lessons learned, and best practices in creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for rural youth. Over two days, participants engaged in stimulating plenary sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. They focused on several key areas, including promoting entrepreneurship among rural youth, creating quality jobs, targeting and inclusion strategies, and promoting green jobs and digitalization.
Agrihub Nigeria Project Coordinator ‘Tomiwa Adesanya contributed to a panel discussion on the successes and innovations in promoting entrepreneurship among rural youth. Sharing insights into the best practices that Agrihub Nigeria has adopted to advance entrepreneurship, Adesanya emphasized the importance of aligning initiatives with the interests of young people. Highlighting the approaches to include community engagement, strategic alliances with related NGO-funded projects, public-private partnerships, and market linkages.
The project’s Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement Officer, ‘Funmilayo Ilesanmi, spoke about promoting green jobs and digitalization for rural youth. She elaborated on partnerships with key players in the green economy sector, highlighting innovations such as soilless farming, renewable energy (solar), and integrated farming, which are environmentally friendly as much as they also provide lucrative opportunities for young people in agriculture.
Agrihub’s partnership with the Soilless Farm Learn, Work, and Earn initiative has trained more than 80 beneficiaries and employed them in jobs. The soilless farming technology, which allows for year-round planting and higher yields with reduced water use, has particularly attracted many young people.
During the panel discussion, Rosemary Adeoti, a beneficiary of the Agrihub Nigeria project, shared her inspiring story. Rosemary joined the project while looking for ways to build a sustainable livelihood. Today, with the knowledge and skills gained from the training, she has established SR Farms, which provides a stable income and growth opportunities for other youths.
The forum was a knowledge-rich event where countries exchanged ideas, presented innovative solutions, and contributed to IFAD’s initiatives. It underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the need to continually adapt to the evolving interests and needs of young people in the agricultural sector.
The lessons learned and connections made at the forum will be key to Agrihub Nigeria furthering its mission of empowering rural youth and creating sustainable employment opportunities in agriculture.
Contributed by Jesutofunmi Sharon Robinson
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