Feature: More Zambian youths take up agricultural-based businesses
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E-mail Xinhua, February 19, 2021
LUSAKA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- In Zambia, agriculture has long been viewed as an undertaking for poor and rural populations most of whom have little or education and therefore have no choice but to engage in some form of farm work to survive.
However, of late, an increasing number of young people in Zambia particularly those from urban places are engaging in agricultural production, which includes crop and livestock production as well as agribusiness linkage services.
Discussions with youths involved in various agricultural activities revealed that most of them see it is as a rewarding undertaking with immense growth and employment opportunities.
"I decided to invest in the growing of food crops because people will always need food," explains Derrick Silwamba, a youth involved in maize and Irish potatoes farming.
Silwamba who conducts his farming activities on the outskirts of Zambia's capital Lusaka pointed out that agriculture presents huge livelihood opportunities for many youths in Zambia looking to earn a decent living.
And Maxwell Phiri, an agribusiness dealer specialized in the production and sale of tomatoes said he is able to earn up to 1,000 Zambian Kwacha (about 47 U.S. dollars) per day from the sale of tomatoes at Lusaka's Soweto market.
"I am not sure if a white color job would have enabled me to attain the economic freedom I have today," Phiri said.
According to Thomas Zulu, an agricultural production-training specialist said many youths that decided to take up agriculture-based businesses have largely been inspired by their peers that are running successful agribusinesses.
"I think we are going to see a lot more young people venturing into agriculture because of the success stories of youths in agribusiness," said Zulu, who conducts training in agricultural production for youths dubbed "Be farmer, be a billionaire".
He added that agriculture is the venture of the future and that with advancements in technology, farming is poised to be the most lucrative business attracting substantial investments. Enditem
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