Youth in agric urged to embrace modern methods to improve production, income

Youth have been urged to embrace modern farming methods to be able to improve production and expand their enterprises. The young entrepreneurs under the Rwanda Youth Agribusiness Forum were also challenged to adopt technology to market their produce “as ICT tools can help them reach more people and a wider market.” While speaking at the end of one week study tour, Jean Baptiste Hategekimana, chairperson of Rwanda Youth Agribusiness Forum, said it is important for young people involved in the agriculture sector to employ new methods of operation to be competitive and relevant in the market. Formed last year, the group has 1,260 members and acts as a youth platform to create a critical mass of change agents in Rwanda’s continued efforts to transform the agriculture sector. Hategekimana called on members to share experiences on best practices and also acquire skills that will help advance their enterprises by improving quality and operations. “There are many young people who are skilled in agribusiness and we wanted to encourage them in what they are doing so that they develop their projects and make them more sustainable,” Hategekimana said of the study tour. During the tour supported by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the group visited Marcellin Kanimba, a honey processor in Nyarutarama Gasabo District, Eric Manirakiza who runs a rabbit keeping project in Ruhango District, and Jean Claude Mugiraneza, who is an agro-dealer. Regis Umurengezi, one of the group members, urged the youth to get involved in the agriculture sector, noting that it provides them huge opportunities as people will always need food and other agro-based products. Umurengezi said youth should be more innovative to exploit these opportunities and startup small businesses that will improve their income and standards of living. Speaking at the function, FAO’s Sanne Holtslag said such study tours inspire members as they learn and advise each other. Holtslag pledged continued support from FAO, adding, “FAO is proud to support Rwandan youth engaged in agribusiness… we are here to support you.”

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Youth in agric urged to embrace modern methods to improve production, income