08 Jul 2019

A young farmer, Mr Keemenao Kelesitse says he is disheartened that the youth are not interested in farming activities.

Mr Kelesitse, who recently organised a ‘farming festival’ for the youth at Galeowane farm near Kanye, said it was disturbing to see young people who were raised by farmers not interested in farming hence the idea to organise the festival to showcase what farming could bring about to the lives of young people.

Mr Kelesitse noted that there was a decline of youth participation in the farming industry, and as a way of attracting young professionals of all fields together with his partner, Ms Bogolo Lotswao they saw the need to organise the event.

He said luring the youth to venture into farming should be a continuous exercise as all that was needed was to dispel the myth that farming was not for them. He said when he muted the idea of having the event, the response from the youth was encouraging, adding that all was not lost.

Mr Kelesitse cited some challenges which acted as deterrent for the youth to engage in farming such as having to juggle farming with their professional career and unavailability of land.

He, however, noted that it was possible if they could put their mind into it and lease land from those who did not utilise it.

“We intentionally invited young professionals from various field of works so that they get to appreciate the basic farming methodologies, and also understand that it is very simple to do with minimal budget,” he said.

He added that the event was meant to cultivate and develop basic farming interest on young families, single mothers and fathers, younger children and professionals.

Mr Kelesitse further said children nowadays did not know the source of meat and milk, some thinking that it originated from the fridge or butcheries. He blamed that on young people having no interest in agriculture.

“During the event, we also addressed privately men’s health and other issues with elderly men included on the discussions, while on the other hand we had women who also discussed their health with elderly women,” he said.

Issues such as anger management and financial related issues were also discussed at the event.

One of those who attended, Mr Thabo Ditiro said the event was an eye opener as he had newly weed. Mr Ditiro, who resides in Gaborone, said he had been thinking that it was expensive to rear goats, but having observed the day on the farm, he was optimistic that he could also do it.

He indicated that as a family man of two children, his desire was to raise his children in such a way that they could develop interest in farming and be farmers if they so wished. Participants were treated to a food festa of goat meat and traditional ginger drink, while at the same time they networked through games and relaxation sessions. ENDS