Young Malawi Farmer Urges Government Support for Youth Agriculture
The call for youth-focused agricultural funding comes as Malawi continues to face challenges with food security and youth employment.
LILONGWE, Malawi— A 22-year-old farmer and university student called on Malawi's government Thursday to create specialised agricultural loans for young farmers, citing rising youth unemployment, writes Benson Kamonjola.
Stella Towera Ziyenda, who farms in Mitundu on Lilongwe's outskirts while studying at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), said targeted funding could help address youth poverty.
"With the current unemployment rate in the country, venturing into farming can help to change the lives of many young Malawians," Ziyenda told AfricaBrief.
Over three years of farming, Ziyenda has cultivated cassava, maize, and sweet potatoes while also raising livestock, including pigs.
Her operation demonstrates the potential for youth involvement in agriculture, she said.
Climate change concerns have pushed Ziyenda to consider expanding into irrigation farming.
"The plan is to enter into irrigation farming, as only depending on rain-fed agriculture has proved to be not enough looking at the issues of climate change," she said.
The government currently operates several agricultural support programs.
The Mega Farm initiative aims to commercialise farming operations across the country. Additionally, the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) provides loans to farmers to increase agricultural productivity.
However, Ziyenda maintains that young farmers need dedicated resources and support to succeed in agriculture.
She argues that channelling specific resources to youth farmers could help combat poverty among the country's young population.
The call for youth-focused agricultural funding comes as Malawi continues to face challenges with food security and youth employment.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Malawi's economy, employing a majority of the country's workforce.