Mbarali-Tanzania, a total of 26 young agripreneurs and 8 farmers have received hands-on training on modern irrigation techniques.. This is part of the work under the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) project implemented by AGRA through TAPBDS with the support from the Mastercard Foundation.
The training was led by Elit Agro, the supplier of mechanization equipment and facilitated by a drip irrigation expert Mr. Ernest Mwampamba. The training covered the fundamentals of drip irrigation, essential equipment and tools, installation procedures, system maintenance and costing.
This activity ensured full involvement of government extension officer Emmanuel Mandala from Chimala ward. The Ward Extension officers help to identify demonstration plots and help the youth to benefit from government programs and schemes. This type of training creates job opportunities for youth as sales agents or technicians specializing in system maintenance and repairs.
The estimated cost for installing a drip irrigation system per acre is TZS 3,100,000, covering both equipment purchase and installation fees.
YEFFA project aims to increase youth involvement in mechanized agriculture and capacitate them to fully understand the business models and by so doing, creating lasting linkages and diversify their job options beyond direct mechanization service delivery.