EIGHTY youths in Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata are expected to benefit from the Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Human Development (YESDev) organised workshop.
A statement from the YESDev project revealed that the series of workers to be run in Wainisevu in Nabouwalu, Nanenivuda Village in Seaqaqa, Tukavesi Village Cakaudrove and Delaivuna in Taveuni is the final phase of the “Organics for Income” training series aimed at engaging Vanua Levu and Southern Taveuni Youth in organic farming for income generation.
“This will provide opportunities for young farmers to be suppliers, entrepreneurs or market vendors and get direct recommendations on proper and sustainable soil management methods, including natural means of tackling plant protection problems,” the statement said.
“It will improve young farmers’ skills in identifying and naturally managing their pest, disease and weed problems.
“Since the first round of training (October 2017), income-generation opportunities in the production and sale of virgin coconut oil and honey were created for the young entrepreneurs and their communities.”
YESDev is a 12-month pilot project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji, in partnership with Loving Islands and supported by the Australian Government.
“The multi-local initiative aims to ensure that Organics for Income is known and practiced by 80 youths in the remote northern areas of Vanua Levu and Southern Taveuni.
“The training sessions will enable youths to be agriculturally productive, inclusive, and non-discriminatory promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment,” the statement said.
