Youth dialogue pushes for stronger voice in agriculture

Iringa. The Tanzania Youth Coalition (TYC), a non-governmental organisation, has brought together young agripreneurs in a forum to address challenges, explore opportunities, and develop policy recommendations on youth involvement in agriculture.

The dialogue took place on Friday, 30 May 2025, at the Iringa Regional Library Hall in Iringa Municipality, bringing together farmers from Iringa District and various development stakeholders.

The event is part of the YEFFA–Kilimo Sauti project, funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

The Project Officer from TYC, Mr Baraka Daniel, said the initiative aims to reach 300,000 young people directly over three years and to empower them to engage meaningfully in agribusiness.

“The project targets to directly reach 300,000 youths and indirectly impact over one million young people within the agricultural sector,” he said.

He further assured farmers of improved access to local and international markets by linking them with various stakeholders, and encouraged them to expand their farming ventures.

“We shall act as a bridge, helping farmers transition from one stage to another. Over these three years, they will be connected with various stakeholders who, in turn, will open up reliable market opportunities for young farmers,” he added.

Iringa District Agriculture Officer, Mr Daud Lagan, urged young people to embrace agriculture, stressing that it is a profitable venture contrary to common perceptions.

He encouraged them to invest in farming rather than migrating to urban areas in search of uncertain opportunities.

During the forum, farmers raised concerns over the lack of reliable markets for their produce—particularly maize, beans, and potatoes—despite increased production.

They called on the government and agricultural stakeholders to help secure stable and dependable markets for their crops.

The YEFFA–Kilimo Sauti project seeks to amplify youth voices in agriculture and facilitate long-term solutions to persistent challenges facing young farmers, including access to finance, land, and modern farming technologies.

The initiative hopes to transform agriculture into an attractive and viable sector for Tanzanian youth through sustained dialogue and collaboration.