Tove Degnbol, Ambassador of Denmark who spoke during the
conference and other prominent personality Dr Alex Ariho CEO of AAIN stated
that the experience of the youths in the incubator sector through the youth Agribusiness
model has shown that if all these things are put in place, the youth will not
only be productively engaged in Agriculture but also excel accordingly in any
chosen area along the agricultural value chain.
The conference which was organised by African Agribusiness Incubation
Network, (AAIN) , African Union ( AU) and Food and Agriculture Organisation of
United nation ( FAO) in collaboration with FARA, Food Africa is aimed at
bringing all key stakeholders from interested governments across the continent,
international development partners , agribusiness companies, finance
institutions , women and youth groups together in order to build a well grounded
evidence based understanding of African youths.
Sharing the experience of the Agribusiness incubator, Kafui
Kwesi Agbe and Cheick A. Diarra stated that with the average farming force in Africa
which is above 60 years of age and the high number of unemployed youths in Africa,
youth engagement in agricultural sector is the only solution to transform and
develop the agricultural sector.
The duo added that a change in mindset and re-orientation of
the youths towards the productive path in agriculture is important. The need
for skills enhancement on agronomic, practises, business, ICT, mechanisation , developing
enterprises and sustainable businesses across the agriculture, agribusiness
value chain and youth networking has helped the AAIN excel in agribusiness.
Interview by AAIN reporter indicated that the points
highlighted by commissionaire and delegated of the conference.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Ekwo Spio Gabrah said
focusing on agriculture gives certainty into the future and this consists of
youth who have the skills to develop the sector.
" The mistake we have made in the past is seeing the
youths as empty vessels forgetting that they are wise. Let us see them as
co-pilots in the development of agricultural sector and give them the necessary
support needed for them to excel" He said. AAIN news information show that
attractive credit schemes, favourable tax measures and restrictive measures on
products importation are some of the measures taken by government of various African
countries to encourage youths involvement in agriculture.
Agribusiness economist Lilian A.Onyegbulam from Agriculture University
of Nigeria said the experience of institution with the youths have been
encouraging so far and there is no doubt that the youths , when given the
opportunity can excel as agribusiness incubators and become successful
entrepreneur ,businessmen and women.
Written By: Paul
Atsu.
Published by : UCC Times
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