YEFFA Project Implementation Kicks Off in Mbeya to Empower Youth in Agribusiness and Create Jobs

By Brenda Ngatara, SAGCOT Centre

Mbeya, Tanzania—On December 5 and 6, 2024, AGRA Tanzania, in collaboration with the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) and other partners, hosted a two-day workshop in Mbeya to officially launch the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) project. This transformative initiative, led by AGRA in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, aims to empower youth in agribusiness and drive sustainable economic opportunities.

The workshop brought together implementing partners to align activities and set the stage for the project’s execution. YEFFA is designed to equip young people, particularly young women, with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in commercial agribusiness ventures.

Under this project, the SAGCOT Centre leads interventions in the maize and rice value chains, focusing on sustainable farming practices—including extension services, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and soil health—and promoting inclusive market access, trade, and finance. Other implementing partners include Nafaka Kilimo, ADP-Mbozi, Wezesha, NYDT, ACT, and Smart Foundation. Over the next three years, the maize and rice consortia aim to create approximately 180,000 job opportunities for youth in “Dignified and Fulfilling Work,” characterized by reliable income and additional markers such as reputable work, workplace respect, or a sense of purpose.

TAHA leads efforts in the horticultural subsector, targeting key value chains such as banana, avocado, onion, and tomato, to reach 332,166 farmers. Meanwhile, Rikolto is spearheading initiatives in the sunflower value chain in the Southern Highlands. Sunflower is critical as Tanzania faces a significant gap between sunflower oil demand (650,000 MT) and domestic production (290,000 MT), resulting in a 55% import reliance.

During the launch, the guest of honour, Mr Nasib Richard, Acting Assistant Director from the Prime Minister’s Office for Youth, Elders, and People with Disabilities, emphasized the critical importance of addressing youth unemployment in Tanzania. He praised the dedication of development actors like AGRA and its implementing partners in tackling this pressing issue. Mr. Richard affirmed the readiness of the Prime Minister’s Office to work collaboratively with the project team to achieve its objectives and create meaningful opportunities for young people across the country.

Mr. Msambachi Abdallah of SAGCOT highlighted that SCL would utilize its established platforms to engage youth in the maize and rice value chains, emphasizing the importance of the multi-stakeholder collaboration at the heart of the YEFFA initiative.

Background on YEFFA Initiatives Across Africa

The YEFFA program is a five-year initiative that has been launched in several African countries, aiming to empower over 1.5 million young Africans to secure dignified and fulfilling work in the agriculture sector. In Malawi, the program was launched in May 2024, with plans to create 746,000 jobs for the youth and help address high unemployment.

Similarly, in August 2024, Ghana introduced YEFFA, which focuses on increasing access to resources like land and credit, knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices, and grants for agri-business ventures.

Agra launched the YEFFA program in Tanzania in July 2024, equipping youth with skills in sustainable farming, business, and finance.In Tanzania, the YEFFA program has gained momentum with government and stakeholder engagement. For instance, the program was introduced in Songea on November 22, 2024, aiming to transform agriculture in the region by focusing on key areas of development and innovation.

Additionally, in Njombe, agricultural officers have championed the YEFFA program for youth empowerment, addressing key challenges young farmers face, including access to financial support, education, extension services, and markets.

The YEFFA initiative represents a significant step towards addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth through agribusiness across Africa. By equipping young people with the necessary skills and resources, YEFFA aims to create sustainable opportunities and contribute to the transformation of the agricultural sector.