Employment for rural youth
Mathias Braun of the project “Food Security through Improved Agricultural Productivity in Western Kenya” is interviewed by Frank Bertelmann, head of the Sector Project “Rural Employment with Focus on Youth”. The interview was conducted by the SNRD Africa Working Group on Policy Processes for Agriculture and Rural Development.
Kenya
Employment for rural youth
“I started a banana nursery with two friends to provide farms with virus-free, high-quality seedlings. Our vision is to substitute banana imports from Tanzania with local production.”
– Patrick, Operator of a seedling nursery (Malawi)
“Youth run away from agribusiness because they view it as something negative that can’t bring them money. I’m not saying it’s an easy journey, but as youth we have the energy to do something. Especially when we come together as a group.”
– Curlstar, Founder of the Vihiga Youth Agripreneurs Network (Kenya)
“During the Covid-pandemic, I had the idea to produce Mango juice, as I knew that demand was there. Thanks to the right support, I have built up a professional production, employing three people during Mango season.”
– Adjaratou, Fruit juice entrepreneur (Burkina Faso)
“Not long ago, I didn’t have any work of my own, I just did what everyone in our village does – help my parents in the fields. I never thought that one day I would start my own business. I would like to see more young people to have the courage to start their own business in the countryside.”
– Fabelsa, Chicken egg producer (Mozambique)
“Youth run away from agribusiness because they view it as something negative that can’t bring them money. I’m not saying it’s an easy journey, but as youth we have the energy to do something. Especially when we come together as a group.”
– Curlstar, Founder of the Vihiga Youth Agripreneurs Network (Kenya)
“It’s high time for young people to migrate from just conceiving agriculture as a culture or tradition and to now start embracing agriculture as a business which can assist in creating sustainable employment.”
– Brian, Peanut butter producer (Malawi)
Read more about Brian’s peanut butter business journey and why he wants to inspire other youths.
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Podcast: How can we strengthen rural areas and create sufficient job opportunities?
“It is difficult for me to find suitable employees. For many women of my age, family responsibilities always take precedence. Even my husband smiled at me at first and did not believe in me. Today, he supports me and takes care of the children when I cannot make it home on time.”
– Adjaratou, Fruit juice entrepreneur (Burkina Faso)
“Thanks to a digital career platform, I learned how to write a better CV, compete in job interviews and finally found a job in a seedling company that was advertised on the platform.”
– Sharon, Sales and marketing employee (Kenya)
“To be honest, I never thought about taking the leap into self-employment. Apart from that – I wouldn‘t have known how to do it. My very own success: I am no longer dependent on my parents. Even better, I can finally give something back to them.”
– Renny, Poultry farmer (Kenya)
“Not long ago, I didn’t have any work of my own, I just did what everyone in our village does – help my parents in the fields. I never thought that one day I would start my own business. I would like to see more young people to have the courage to start their own business in the countryside.”
– Fabelsa, Chicken egg producer (Mozambique)
“During the Covid-pandemic, I had the idea to produce Mango juice, as I knew that demand was there. Thanks to the right support, I have built up a professional production, employing three people during Mango season.”
– Adjaratou, Fruit juice entrepreneur (Burkina Faso)
“I started a banana nursery with two friends to provide farms with virus-free, high-quality seedlings. Our vision is to substitute banana imports from Tanzania with local production.”
– Patrick, Operator of a seedling nursery (Malawi)
“I make compost as a source of income and to preserve our environment. It makes me very proud to be the number one compost producer in my area. I also decided to produce a bio-repellent – not only for my own production but also for other producers.”
– Sansan, Producer of biological agricultural inputs (Burkina Faso)
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