NETWORK of small-scale farmers and pastoralists in Morogoro Region (MVIWAMORO) has called on the government to establish youth empowerment fund for agricultural ventures to foster self-employment and income generation activities.

The call follows a study by MVIWAMORO, which revealed that unemployed youth could achieve economic stability through such a fund, while also boosting council revenues and creating jobs.

The study revealed that allocating funds would help overcome capital challenges, nurture agricultural talents, and enhance employment and productivity, especially in rural areas.

MVIWAMORO coordinator, Joseph Sengasenga, shared the findings during  the discussion attended by policymakers, including councillors, officials, and youth groups from Mvomero, Morogoro Rural, and Kilosa districts.

Sengasenga noted that MVIWAMORO had trained over 300 youth from the three councils in entrepreneurial skills, including producing clips, yogurt, pigeon pea biscuits, and processed chili, while also connecting them to markets.

Additionally, the youth have been equipped with saving and lending skills (VICOBA) and provided with cash boxes for savings and loans.

“Despite these efforts, youth face market access challenges, lack of product certification from TBS, power outages affecting production, and insufficient capital,” Sengasenga explained.

According to him, while efforts have been made to secure council loans, not all youth benefit, prompting the call for   dedicated youth empowerment fund as a long-term solution.

Sengasenga also emphasised the need for a one-stop centre combining TBS, SIDO, and BRELA services to reduce costs for young entrepreneurs.

Ahmedi Kilama, network’s monitoring and evaluation officer, highlighted high packaging, transport, and certification costs, along with limited market information, as major obstacles for youth businesses.

Baraka Nasoro,   youth entrepreneur from Mvomero producing processed chili, tomato, biscuits, and yogurt, noted that his main challenge was   equipment due to lack of capital, despite having market demand.

He also cited power outages, rising agricultural input costs due to poor infrastructure, and urged the government to address the  challenges and provide grants through the youth fund.

Latifa Selemani from Ilonga, Kilosa, called for regulated agricultural product prices due to fluctuating costs caused by poor infrastructure, while also seeking reliable capital   for  businesses.

Grace Makoye, Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) Morogoro officer said the organisation helps producers meet quality standards, obtain certification, and access markets.

 Stephen Lugome, Kilosa District council’s economic, construction, and environment committee chairperson  said   Kilosa District Council had allocated 1.1bn/- for youth, women, and disabled groups, with 500m/- already disbursed.

Lugome who is also the Itete Ward councillor, noted that women have been more proactive in meeting loan requirements compared to youth and encouraged youth to seize the opportunity.

“If there is a promising youth group in Kilosa, MVIWAMORO should bring it to the council, and I will ensure it receives the loan to serve as positive example others to emulate  ,” Lugome affirmed.