Do you know that small holder farmers produce about 70% of food consumed in Nigeria and their average age is 60 years?
According to a report by the National Economic Summit Group (NESG), the average age of small scale women and men farmers that grow 70% of the food consumed in Nigeria is 60 years. Going by the statistics, it therefore becomes pertinent that there is an urgent need to continually assist these farmers in their operations for their optimum production; and also encourage the younger generation to embrace agriculture and its allied services as a viable source of livelihood. This remains the only and sustainable means of reducing the country’s susceptibility to food crisis
Considering the 2011 population pyramid by the National Population Commission and World Bank Growth, 47% of Nigeria’s population is between the ages of 20 and 40. This presents a huge potential resource for the nation which if properly harnessed, portends a solution to developmental issues such as food security and job creation in the country.
In light of this, HEDA Resource Centre through the Voices for Food Security (VFS) campaign (with support fromOXFAM GB) and the Osun State Government through her Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme are implementing a week-long programme titled ‘Promoting Youth-centred activities in raising awareness and mobilising public support for Food Security and Livelihoods Protection’ in Osogbo, Osun State in September. The objectives are to:
- Increase young people’s voices in campaign for Food Security and protection of small scale farmers (SSFs) livelihoods
- Increase young people’s access agricultural information and awareness on empowerment opportunities available in the agric sector
- Influence positive perception of agriculture among young people
This programme will include among other knowledge impacting activities, a seminar to sensitize young people on Climate Change and threats to food production; a tour to agricultural institutes and farm projects in Lagos, Oyo and Osun States to expose participants to the agricultural value-chain and an advocacy visit and interaction with parliamentarians to seek support for small scale farmers. The advocacy component will be complemented with the participation of some of Africa’s young musical icons.
Criteria for applications:
Interested applicants must be:
1) An internet savvy young person (male and female)
2) Residents of Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States.
3) Passion for agriculture/ food production matters
4) Willing to learn about agriculture value chain and/or how to earn a decent living from it.
5) Willing to help improve the earnings and welfare of millions of small holder Women and Men farmers across Nigeria.
In addition to all these, prospective participants should also be team players, committed to the project, disciplined, motivated, dedicated and active in one or more social networking media platforms.
Also, the trip holds second week of October (7th-13th); when applying, your availability during that week is paramount.
To be a part of this programme, an online application form is available for completion and submission at this link:
NOTE: Spaces are limited and the deadline for application is 18:00hrs on Tuesday, September 25, 2012. Successful applicants will be duly notified and further details on participation provided by Friday, September 30, 2012.
For further inquiries and information, please contact:
Adeola Abodunrin
Project Officer,
Tel: 08034190027, 08050923259
Source:http://www.hedang.org/?p=450
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