Staff Reporter Aldridge
It is a significant stride towards youth empowerment in Zimbabwe as the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, in collaboration with Nigerian-based organization Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation Project (Enable TAAT,) hosted a fish farming workshop. The event, aimed at nurturing a generation of agri-entrepreneurs, emphasized treating agriculture as a business and a potent source of empowerment.
With a focus on practical skills and financial literacy, the workshop attracted the attention of several banking institutions, including Zimbabwe’s Women Microfinance Bank. Representatives from these banks provided insights into accessing startup capital, offering guidance on loan applications with a promise of swift responses.
Addressing the gathering, speakers highlighted the pivotal role of agriculture in realizing the President’s Vision 2030, particularly in the realms of food security and nutrition. They underscored the transformative potential of agribusiness, positioning it as a catalyst for national development.
Notably, the Ministry and participating stakeholders extended their support to aspiring fish farmers. They pledged assistance ranging from securing land through local authorities to facilitating access to government startup programs and private microfinance banks. Moreover, they emphasized the provision of high-quality inputs and assistance in marketing produce to ensure the success of budding ventures.
Reflecting on the workshop’s impact, Blessing, one of the attending youths, hailed it as an eye-opener. He expressed gratitude for the emphasis on self-employment, contrasting it with the prevalent issues of idleness, substance abuse, and early marriages among youth. Blessing’s testimony echoed the sentiments of many attendees who saw the workshop as a gateway to meaningful livelihoods and economic independence.
In a nation where youth unemployment remains a pressing concern, initiatives like the fish farming workshop serve as beacons of hope. By equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to engage in sustainable agriculture, partnerships between government entities and organizations like Enable TAAT pave the way for a brighter future.
As doors of opportunity continue to open for aspiring agripreneurs, the workshop stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and empowerment in driving socio-economic progress. With the right support and resources, Zimbabwe’s youth are poised to chart a course towards prosperity, one fish farm at a time.
