Dear Editor,
A recent writer called for a multi-dimensional approach to our unemployment problems including a new national service focusing on vocational/skills training, especially in agriculture. He suggested that the government reach out to the depressed communities, make land available and organize people in groups/clubs, co-ops, etc, with guidance and know-how to produce agricultural produce.
The government must not be afraid to become more of an active and financial partner in projects that target young people’s employment in farming and the financial opportunities it presents. A pilot project which pays youth a stipend for their labour and a sharing of the profits at the end could be a good start and model for similar private and public investment agricultural partnerships.
We should lead the way, while waiting for outside investors.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
