Amutenya calls on youth to invest in agriculture
Willem Amutenya (36), from Iihongo in the Onayena constituency of the Oshikoto Region, is calling on young people to invest in agriculture, arguing that it is an economic sector capable of not only creating jobs but also ensuring food security.
In an interview with Ewi lyaNooli on Monday, Amutenya – an academic and politician who is set to become a member of parliament later next month on the Swapo party ticket – said young people should invest their time and energy in agricultural activities.
Amutenya farms with goats and cattle and also runs a poultry project.
“Agriculture is the main driver of economic advancement for every society. As young people, we have the responsibility to drive our very own economy, making use of our skills, knowledge and expertise. Therefore, when it comes to agriculture, there must not be any requirement or sorts of expertise for a young person to play a significant role in agriculture,” Amutenya said.
Eradicate unemployment and poverty
Talking about employment, Amutenya said that the agricultural sector has the potential to eradicate youth unemployment and address poverty.
“We should all participate in one or more subsectors of agriculture, production as labour forces, value addition and as entrepreneurs who establish those subsectors. [With] that, we are creating employment for our fellow youth, ensuring food security and contributing to our GDP,” Amutenya said.
Amutenya also spoke about government's role in supporting young people to motivate them to venture into agriculture through incentive programmes as well as creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurs.
“Government must ensure supportive policies for these industries, especially for young people, starting from the provision of productive land, access to water, machineries and production incentives to support production. Government should further ensure a smooth market for local agricultural products. Namibia should be responsible for its own food basket,” he said.
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In an interview with Ewi lyaNooli on Monday, Amutenya – an academic and politician who is set to become a member of parliament later next month on the Swapo party ticket – said young people should invest their time and energy in agricultural activities.
Amutenya farms with goats and cattle and also runs a poultry project.
“Agriculture is the main driver of economic advancement for every society. As young people, we have the responsibility to drive our very own economy, making use of our skills, knowledge and expertise. Therefore, when it comes to agriculture, there must not be any requirement or sorts of expertise for a young person to play a significant role in agriculture,” Amutenya said.
Eradicate unemployment and poverty
Talking about employment, Amutenya said that the agricultural sector has the potential to eradicate youth unemployment and address poverty.
“We should all participate in one or more subsectors of agriculture, production as labour forces, value addition and as entrepreneurs who establish those subsectors. [With] that, we are creating employment for our fellow youth, ensuring food security and contributing to our GDP,” Amutenya said.
Amutenya also spoke about government's role in supporting young people to motivate them to venture into agriculture through incentive programmes as well as creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurs.
“Government must ensure supportive policies for these industries, especially for young people, starting from the provision of productive land, access to water, machineries and production incentives to support production. Government should further ensure a smooth market for local agricultural products. Namibia should be responsible for its own food basket,” he said.
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