Agriculture is a significant economic activity in the Morogoro region, as the sector is essential for peasant farmers. More than 70% of its population depends on agriculture for its livelihood. Apart from the fact that environmental degradation, climate change, and unpredictable and disruptive weather conditions affect communities, the youth, young mothers aged 18 to 30 years, and people with disabilities are facing social and economic challenges due to a lack of practical education. What’s more: They are often let out of development interventions. Most of these young people don't have formal or informal employment opportunities simply because of their low level of education. 

As the youth is facing economic difficulties with a negative impact on their livelihoods, it is no wonder that each year there is a substantial increase in youth migration from rural to urban areas and cities after dropping out of school or completing their primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels. Many become street vendors, domestic workers, or do petty jobs, while others don't get opportunities and enter dangerous and illegal gangs. 

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The future is young

But the fact is: The future depends on the next generation. And as we at SAT are convinced that agriculture's future is organic, we initiated the Youth in Agriculture Skills Development (YASD) project, which will build the capacity of youth in organic agriculture on-farm and off-farm. Within three years (2023-2025), this will enable them to technically produce and profitably engage in organic agriculture, especially horticulture production. Moreover, locally available business opportunities for young people will improve by providing training, mentorships, and coaching. Our aim is that young people see agriculture as a chance to start their own business and hence have a sustainable income and benefit from increased food security.

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What we want to achieve

• Youth will be enrolled and receive support in basic life skills, agroecological farming methods, and livestock production skills.
• Youth-led enterprises will be developed and managed for improved income generation through direct and peer-to-peer facilitation approaches.
• Young mothers will gain improved access to self-employment through further facilitation and coaching on income-generating activities.
• Market linkage will be improved to create sustainable employment through the private sector.

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Target groups

The target group of the YASD project is out-of-school youth from rural and peri-urban locations of 5 villages in the Mvomero District (Morogoro region). We will directly reach 350 youth and young mothers below 30. Furthermore, the project will indirectly reach a minimum of 700 people who are family members of the direct beneficiaries. The activities aim to improve social cohesion, landscape, and environment due to working with young people. YASD considers the local environment, local knowledge, skills, and attitudes to emphasize the reality and applicable methods to be applied. The project will also build social cohesion, food security, economic empowerment, and environmental resilience of young men and women in Morogoro.

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