The UN and the Woman Farmer Foundation Celebrate International Youth Day with Young Farmers

Celebrations began with an interview on the Kusile Breakfast Show, whereby members of the Youth Tunnel Project discussed this year's International Youth Day theme; “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health”. This year’s theme highlights the importance of innovative solutions developed by young people to overcome obstacles within food systems: an idea that will feed into the global United Nations Food Systems Summit taking place in September. Food Systems dialogues are on-going across the globe, including in Eswatini, and will inform the Food Systems Summit.  In Eswatini, nine dialogues, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, with different industry stakeholders in agriculture, are scheduled to take place this month. 

International Youth Day celebrations continued at Rider’s Ranch, in Sidvokodvo, where the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, introduced Sands; a local musical artist and United Nations youth champion for climate action and agriculture, as did Ms Ndongo-Seh receive a tour of the flourishing Youth Tunnel Project.  

“Today, we recognize the immense dedication, bravery, skills, creativity, innovation and great potential demonstrated by our young people who continue to fight on a daily basis for a better future for all,” stated the UN Resident Coordinator. 

Ms Ndongo-Seh emphasized the significance of agriculture, as the largest sector of Eswatini’s economy, as well as the essential role that young people play in growing the economy.   

“In the Kingdom of Eswatini, young agri-preneurs are finding local and sustainable solutions to ensure the longevity of the nation’s food systems,” she continued. 

Agriculture serves as the foundation of Eswatini’s economy, yet it continues to experience the impact of the climate crisis, underinvestment, and the effect of the HIV and AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics, contributing to growing food insecurity. 

Compounded by this food insecurity, young people are being left behind in the nation’s recovery from COVID-19, as youth unemployment remains very high at 47 percent. The agriculture sector also proves unappealing to most youth and therefore, there is a need for investment to be made in young people with an interest in agriculture, particularly women, for they are the future of the agriculture sector and the nation. 

Sonia Paiva, founder of the Woman Farmer Foundation, expressed that; “Girls excel more than boys in the project, and we are excited to see the young people taking charge of agriculture and shaping their future.” 

The Youth Tunnel Project seeks to train and empower young people, including persons living with disabilities, to farm in a sustainable manner, combat climate-related challenges, earn an income and ultimately improve national food security. Under the technical leadership of the Woman Farmer Foundation, and with support from the United Nations and Standard Bank, the Youth Tunnel Project is an incredible step towards achieving Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: No Poverty (SDG1); Zero Hunger (SDG2); Health and Well Being (SDG3); Quality Education (SDG4); Gender Equality (SDG5); Water and Sanitization (SDG6); Renewable and Clean Energy (SDG7); Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8); Industry and Innovation (SDG 9); Reduced Inequalities (SDG10); Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11); Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12); as well as Climate Action (SDG13). 

Caleb Mamba, a member of the Youth Tunnel Project, stated; “Through this project, the youth are able to sustain themselves, improve their livelihoods, reduce unemployment, and also reduce the country's poverty levels.” 

Brian Mabuza, a young farmer involved in the initiative, continued; “Eswatini complains about the quality of produce, which is one of the reasons why the nation exports from other countries.” The Project serves to address this issue in the local market, ensuring the production of consistent quality produce, which is essential in the nation’s efforts to achieve food security. 

The United Nations, in partnership with Standard Bank, are supporting the Woman Farmer Foundation to expand the Youth Tunnel Project to decentralized levels, including the nation’s 59 Tinkhundla Centres. 

“We are extremely grateful to our partners for believing in all of the young people, and we have high hopes that the project will become a role model for Africa,” stated Ms Paiva.