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The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), will be hosting the Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) Regional Dialogues on Harmonization, Domestication, and Implementation for the Southern Africa Region in Lilongwe, Malawi from 1 to 2 August 2024.
Speaking to this publication ahead of the workshop in Lusaka, Zambia, David Adama, the AGRA Senior Specialist, Continental and Regional Engagements underscored the need to increase awareness and uptake of the African Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) through the development, harmonization, domestication, and implementation of the strategy in the Southern African Region.
The workshop also seeks to take stock of ongoing initiatives to develop or revise national youth in agriculture frameworks, ensuring their effective alignment with the AAYS. It will also gather input for the development of the Youth Agribusiness Performance Index (YAPI), which will serve as a tool to measure and track the progress and impact of youth engagement in agribusiness in the 5th CAADP BR and the Post-Malabo CAADP agenda.
In addition, it will identify challenges and opportunities in the domestication and implementation processes of the youth in agribusiness-related continental frameworks at the regional and national levels; as well as identify areas of collaboration and support needed to enable countries to domesticate and implement youth-focused programs that support youth in agribusiness.
Speaking to Spiked Online Media, Rukudzo Ashley Kavumbura, the founder of Ash-Gric, a registered Zimbabwean, youth-led initiative that operates as an agribusiness, said such initiatives promote sustainable and resilient food and agriculture systems.
“Ash-Gric stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. Through its diverse range of products, consultancy services, and community empowerment initiatives, Ash-Gric not only enhances food security and agricultural productivity but also fosters a culture of sustainability and resilience. Ash-Gric continues to make significant strides in promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices, thereby contributing to the broader goals of climate resilience and youth empowerment. The dialogue in Malawi is very critical in promoting youth in agri-business,” Kavumbura said.
Rukudzo holds a degree in Agricultural Economics and Development Studies and is actively involved in various youth-led organizations/initiatives addressing climate change, youth empowerment, and agricultural systems.