As part of the skills development of young farmers in Bunia, an innovative initiative enabled 34 unemployed youth to acquire in-depth knowledge on modern agricultural techniques, with a particular focus on market gardening. This five-day training, organized by the Bangladeshi contingent of MONUSCO, ended successfully on Friday, 13 December.
During this training, participants were trained in the cultivation practices of various vegetables highly prized on local markets, such as tomatoes, eggplants, leeks, cabbages, cucumbers and watermelons. Thanks to the use of quality seeds and the application of modern agricultural techniques, these young farmers now have the skills to obtain significant yields, even on small plots.
This initiative is particularly important as it allows the young participants to diversify their sources of income by engaging in the agricultural sector. Rather than passively waiting for job opportunities, these youth are now equipped to become successful agricultural entrepreneurs, contributing to the economic empowerment of the region.
The engagement of the Bangladeshi contingent of MONUSCO in youth training is not new in Ituri. Indeed, through various programs in areas such as IT, sewing and mechanics, hundreds of youth have already benefited from quality training, paving the way for a promising future for local youth.
In conclusion, this training on modern agricultural techniques represents a transformative opportunity for young farmers in Bunia. By combining practical knowledge with an entrepreneurial approach, these youth are now better equipped to create sustainable agricultural businesses and thus contribute to the socio-economic development of their community.