Empowering Youth in Agriculture: Celebrating the Graduation of Students from the Smart Innovative Youth Tunnel Project

On Friday, 25th February 2022, the United Nations Family was delighted to celebrate the graduation of 18 students, at Rider’s Ranch, Sidvokodvo, from the Innovative Youth Tunnel Project, hosted by the Woman Farmer Foundation, with support from Standard Bank and the United Nations in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The Project seeks to empower young emaSwati, including persons with disabilities, in agriculture, through climate smart technologies and training in agri-business. Farming techniques taught through the Initiative focus on sustainable farming, combating the impact of climate change and empowering young farmers to earn an income.

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 national food security, overcoming youth unemployment and ultimately, Agenda 2030 for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"With 47 percent of our youth unemployed, and 33 percent of the population at risk of being food insecure; this initiative comes at a pivotal time and will ensure that young people are not left behind, but rather lead our country’s recovery from COVID-19,” stated the Acting UN Resident Coordinator representative, Ms Khanyisile Mabuza.

Agriculture serves as the foundation of Eswatini’s economy, yet the climate crisis, underinvestment in the agriculture sector, and the effect of the HIV and AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics, are contributing to growing food insecurity. Young people are often the first to feel the impact of the ongoing crises.

With less than eight years remaining to achieve Agenda 2030, the Innovative Youth Tunnel Project is a key initiative in efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), impacting an incredible 13 of 17 SDGs, including: 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).