The Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) and Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) have launched a pilot project tagged Youth Agripreneurs Project (YAP) beginning with the seed funding of 5,000 USD, reports NaijaAgroNet.

GFAR Social Media Coordinator, Mr. Peter Casier, said that the project was in recognition of the crucial importance of young farmers, and the role of small entrepreneurship.

The Youth Agripreneurs Project

The Youth Agripreneurs Project, he said, is a pilot project providing seed funding (US$5,000) to young agriculture entrepreneurs.

According to him, there is more, we’ll integrate them in an extensive one year mentoring, online media training via advocacy and online networking are essential for young agripreneurs, and follow-up programme to ensure their agripreneurs project becomes a success.

“We have a solid support infrastructure in combination of GFAR, CGIAR and YPARD resources; have the basic funding in place,” he said.

Casier also commended the first sponsors, namely the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Agropolis Fondation.

He disclosed they have a solid project outline which was participatory designed together with a large group of YPARD youth. Just as they plan an online media training package at the upcoming  #GCARD3 Global Consultation in South Africa and a well-oiled and tested YPARD mentoring programme.