ZAMBIA’S YOUTH CHALLENGED TO DRIVE AGRICULTURAL GROWTH

Youth, Sports and Arts Minister Elvis Nkandu has challenged young people to come out of their safe zones and contribute meaningfully to the growth of agriculture in the country.

And his counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri has pledged that Government will empower 50 youths in agriculture across the ten provinces. Nkandu said youths in agriculture must work hard to produce enough for the welfare of the country.

He regretted Government has vast land for grab but the young people were not coming forward to apply for its acquisition.

Mr Nkandu said this during the International Youth Day, commemorated under the theme, "Local Youths Action for SDGS and beyond".

The Minister said agriculture is the engine of the country, noting that mining was not the only driver of the economy.

He said the country's economic emancipation can only come about if agriculture was taken seriously. And his colleague Phiri reaffirmed Government commitment to empower youths in agriculture.

He said Government will empower 5 youths from each of the ten provinces with agriculture equipment and knowledge to back their life dreams.

The gesture was welcomed by Mr Nkandu who said it was a step in the right direction, adding that the agriculture knowledge imparted will be shared with others and together the country will build a strong food base. In his speech, Mr the Youth Minister said supporting youths in agric development was not a role of Government alone but every stakeholder must move forward.

"As a country, we are coming from one of the worst droughts in our history and if we are not careful or prepared our food security can be compromised. It is for this reason we have opted to involve youths in agriculture eco system."

He is aware that the innovative and creativity of the youth if well channeled in agriculture could be very useful. Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) President Alis Ruhwaza said it is resounding that Government prioritize the empowerment of young people in agriculture development.

She urged Government to continue empowering young people in agriculture if desirable aspirations can be met. Ms Ruhwaza thanked the collaborating partners including the Zambian Government for making the commemorations of the 2025 Youth Day a success.

AGRA's aims to transform African agriculture by promoting sustainable farming practices, improving food security, and boosting incomes for smallholder farmers. It works on initiatives like improving seed varieties, soil health, access to markets, and policy engagement to support African farmers.

And Young Professionals in Agricultural Research and Development (YPARD) Zambia has petitioned Government to reintroduce agriculture training at Zambia National Service (ZNS) at form four (4) level.

In a communique, Susanna Phiri, Country Representative said this would instil practical agriculture knowledge in learners. And Ms Phiri has urged Government to localise the international agriculture policy to suit the Zambian content and ensuring alignment of national realities faced by the citizens.

"Allocate youth farming blocks across the country and streamline access to customary land to shortening the transition into titled land," she said. Mr Nkandu acknowledged the communique.