Andrew Maramwidze, AfricaNews.com contributor, Gaberone, Bostwana, photo: Dave Proffer
AfricaNews - Southern Africa's begging syndrome will not end if countries in the region continue to ignore agricultural sector, a trade unionist has said. Southern African Trade Union Co-ordination Council (SATUCC), Executive Secretary Moses Kachima has urged the region to use agriculture to develop rural areas and empower rural youth.
"The crack on of the rural economy can only be turned around if the youth are involved in agriculture. Otherwise we shall continue to be begging for food assistance," said Kachima at a forum in Botswana capital Gaborone, where trade union representatives from eight Southern African countries had gathered to discuss and present research on the role of trade unions on rural youth employment in the region.
The countries that attended the meeting are Zambia, Swaziland, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia South Africa, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
"Unlike other continents we have got a lot of arable land but cannot feed ourselves," he added.
Kachima said lack of rural development prompts rural-urban migration as the most abled bodies leave the rural areas.
"We have to retain the youth in rural areas, create some development to retain the youth in the rural areas. Agriculture can be the serious employer of youth," emphasised Kachima pleading that nations should recognize the importance of rural economy.
Meanwhile, Botswana Federation of Trade Union Executive (BFTU) Secretary Gadzani Mhotsha expressed concern at youth's tendency of shunning away from labour unions though a large fraction of youth is unemployed.
"Not many youth are involved in trade union," said Mhotsha.
The research by the eight countries is going to be compiled into a book, expected to be used at the next ILO summit in 2008 where rural youth empowerment in Southern Africa is expected to be on the agenda.
About the AfricaNews.com contributor.
Andrew Maramwidze is a freelance journalist based in Gabarone, Botswana.
