Youth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are implementing initiatives through innovations in agribusiness to promote sustainable agriculture on the African continent.
Guided by the Malabo Declaration regarding the development of African youth, the African Union has developed several policies and frameworks including the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE) 2019- 2024.
The youth shared their journey in agribusiness with Spiked Online Media to inspire their peers to take agriculture as a business during the African Union African Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) Regional Dialogue for Southern Africa Region that took place from 1 to 2 August 2024, in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Mr. Siyabulela Siya Sokomani, the Treesome founder who runs the Nguni Nursery in South Africa said his organisation runs a wholesome nursery that contract grows and supplies Indigenous South African trees, some exotic and fruit trees.
Nguni Nursery
“Nguni Nursery is a South Africa-based nursery that specializes in growing and supplying high-quality, locally adapted trees and plants. We promote the growth and use of native South African tree species, thereby supporting biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. We offer a variety of fruit and nut trees, suitable for small-scale farmers, home gardens, and commercial orchards.
“Nguni Nursery supplies a range of ornamental plants, including flowers, shrubs, and groundcovers, for landscaping and beautification purposes. We also provide guidance and support for agroforestry practices, integrating trees into farming systems for sustainable land use. This way, Nguni Nursery contributes to environmental conservation by promoting sustainable land use practices, reducing soil erosion, and supporting reforestation efforts,” Sokomani told Spiked Online Media.
By supporting Nguni Nursery, customers contribute to the preservation of South Africa’s natural heritage and the promotion of sustainable agriculture and land use practices.
A young innovator and agripreneur based in Lilongwe, Malawi, Aubrey Julius Taulo, is working on a project to promote an eco-friendly alternative that replaces thin plastic with a natural sponge called Luffa to create products like handbags, tube lines for tree seedlings, and hotel decorations.
Aubrey Julius Taulo holding seedlings in Luffa natural sponge
“This is an agribusiness tool that is helping Malawi to create youth self-employment jobs because the products are easy to make. I was motivated to find an alternative to thin plastics due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment,” Taulo said.
The innovator started his research in 2019, and he is now urging organisations to support his cause with financial and material resources. The innovation is a great step towards reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.
“I want to empower young people and women to produce Luffa products, promote eco-friendly innovations, and achieve economic independence,” he said.
Mathewa Malata, President of the Association of Environmental Journalists (AEJ) in Malawi and a board member of the Dzalanyama Catchment Conservation Trust (DCCT), in an interview with the Generation publication based in Malawi, commended Taulo’s efforts.
“Given the recent ban on thin plastics, Taulo’s innovation is a step in the right direction. We need more innovators like him to promote sustainable practices in our country. He is a true game-changer. This innovation is a great step toward reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability,” Malata said.
