There is a lot of questions as to why young people do not get involved in agriculture. Many reasons have been shared in different forums. The most common? Young people find agriculture boring, a layman’s job and does not bring profits.
I have worked in the agribusiness field for over 6 years. I have also enjoyed co-founding an initiative; Project Agribusiness Hub for young Leaders (Aghub). And most recently serving with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC). I have learnt that there are several young people who are changing the face of agriculture and making it “sexy”, as one young woman, Tamara Kaunda, put it during an agricultural summit in Zambia – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mjJVoJLpKE .
These young people are more than just engaging in agriculture – but turning agriculture into a business.
It is no longer boring to them, it is more than just farming. It is about taking a produce, processing it and making sure it is ready for consumption. It is about creating a voice and platform where young agripreneurs interact, learn best practices, gain access to new markets and financing; and strengthening each other. – A new way to think about “Youth in Agribusiness.”
Today I highlight one young man whom I had the pleasure of talking with. Lameck Matiki, aged 24 from Malawi, who is currently in Israel for a one-year agriculture training, started his agribusiness in 2018 when he was in college by growing different vegetables. In 2020 he then ventured into mushroom.
What is your business name, and what sector does it operate?
The name of my business is Smart Sprout, operating under the Horticulture Sector. My business partner is Winnie Chimwala.