By Siphesihle Dlamini
The Woman Farmer Foundation (WFF) in collaboration with the Taiwan Technical Mission has unveiled the 6th cohort of the Innovative Climate Smart Youth Tunnel Production Project.
The launch event, held on July 1, 2024, was graced by the distinguished presence of the Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, and His Excellency Jeremy H.S. Liang from the Taiwan Embassy lent an aura of optimism and promise to the occasion.
Notably, the Embassy of the Republic of China in Taiwan also presented a cheque of E744 000 to the WFF. This generous donation is meant to support the education and empowerment of aspiring female farmers in Eswatini.
ALSO READ: Prime Minister welcomes ILO Director for Southern Africa
As Minister Tshawuka highlighted, the program is not merely a training ground for young farmers but a transformative journey that equips them with practical skills in Advanced Tunnel Production Techniques.
“Firstly, I would like to welcome the new students into this program. This is an intensive, valuable and highly competitive program. Therefore, you should be proud that you have been selected.
Whilst a lot of applications were received for this special program, space limitations restricted us to only 80 participants this year,” he said.
This hands-on training is not just about farming; it’s about creating a generation of Agripreneurs ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
The path to this momentous occasion has been paved with challenges, but with unwavering determination and support, the project has emerged as a beacon of hope for aspiring young farmers.
By providing funding and resources, the Taiwan Technical Mission has enabled 80 students to access quality education and training in climate-smart agriculture, ensuring that no talent goes untapped due to financial constraints.
The agriculture minister extended gratitude to both the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) and the WFF for forging a partnership that has given rise to this program that started in 2021, another version of which is being launched today.
ALSO READ: Eswatini strengthens efforts in combating financial crimes, says Minister Prince Simelane
“The long-enduring support from the Taiwan Technical Mission is much appreciated and valued. It has given rise to several programs that have benefited the country,” he added.
At the heart of the training curriculum lies a diverse tapestry of subjects designed to equip the students with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to thrive in the dynamic world of agriculture.
From Agri-Business to Entrepreneurship, Access to Finance to Agricultural Insurance, Quality Assurance to Beyond, the curriculum is a symphony of learning aimed at nurturing well-rounded Agripreneurs poised for success in an ever-evolving industry.
The engagement of stakeholders, a cornerstone of the project’s success, is geared towards providing the students with a comprehensive agricultural education that touches upon every facet of Agripreneurship.
Through this holistic approach, the students are poised to emerge as trailblazers in their field, armed with a deep understanding of the intricacies of agricultural enterprise.
A crowning achievement of this transformative initiative lies in its remarkable efficacy in combating the vagaries of climate change.
By implementing innovative climate-smart practices, the project has played a pivotal role in ensuring food security and safeguarding crops against the ravages of hailstorms, heat waves, and strong winds
This demonstration of resilience and foresight underscores the project’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Noteworthy, too, is the project’s role in advancing gender equality in the agricultural sector, a realm long dominated by men.
Through its concerted efforts to empower women farmers and foster a more inclusive and diverse agricultural community, the project has catalyzed a seismic shift towards a more equitable and balanced representation in the industry.
The program provides a comprehensive package of support for farmers, combining training, technology, mentorship, and networking opportunities to empower them to succeed in the agricultural sector.
This program aims to promote gender equality in agriculture and ensure the sustainability of farming practices for future generations.
ALSO READ: Minister of Education tells Russian International Forum
The Innovative Climate Smart Youth Tunnel Production Training Program is a holistic training on protective farming which aims to address two major issues which continue to plague Eswatini:
the high youth unemployment rate, and the effects of climate change through the provision of theoretical and practical skills that prepare young people to start and build climate-resilient and adaptive agricultural ventures.
It was started to generate interest in agriculture among the youth of Eswatini by exposing them to innovative agricultural practices, effectively encouraging them to cover the value chain.
The Innovative Climate-Smart Tunnel Farming Project is a groundbreaking initiative that combines sustainable agriculture practices with climate resilience strategies.
It involves the construction of tunnels or greenhouses to create controlled environments for crop production, allowing farmers to grow a variety of crops year-round regardless of external weather conditions.
This project helps farmers mitigate the impacts of climate change by providing a sheltered space where they can regulate factors such as temperature, humidity, and light to optimize crop growth. By using techniques like drip irrigation, mulching, and integrated pest management, farmers can maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Additionally, the project incorporates innovative technologies and practices that promote resource efficiency and reduce reliance on harmful chemicals.
By adopting climate-smart agriculture principles, such as soil conservation, crop diversification, and water management, farmers can enhance their resilience to climate variability and ensure long-term sustainability.
