Call For Applications: Mastercard Foundation, Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture
Are you a young and enthusiastic individual with a passion for agriculture? Are you looking for an opportunity to learn, work, and earn in the field of agriculture? Look no further! The Mastercard Foundation is pleased to announce the “Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture” program. This program aims to train unemployed youths and women in vegetable production using advanced technology.
Work, Learn, and Earn
The Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture program offers a unique opportunity for unemployed youths and women to work, learn, and earn in the field of agriculture. Through this program, participants will be trained in various aspects of vegetable production, including greenhouse farming, soilless farming (hydroponics), and the use of ML & AI tools for monitoring and irrigation. Integrated Pest Management techniques will also be taught to ensure proper pest control throughout the project.
Training and Group Structure
The program will admit 1000 students per quarter, with a total of 4000 students admitted annually. The students will be grouped into batches of 50 and will undergo a 3-month training program. Each group will have a technical team, agronomy team, packaging/branding team, logistics team, and account/management team. This structure ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire value chain of agricultural production.
Learn and Earn
During the training period, students will earn a stipend and receive accommodation. They will also learn how to set up and manage greenhouses and hydroponics systems. Starting from the 4th month of the program, students will have the opportunity to earn salaries from their own company through the sales of their produce.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age between 18-29 at the time of application
- Genuine interest in Olericulture (vegetable production)
- Available for 12 weeks of physical training
- Physically and mentally fit to work on the farm
- Willing to relocate to Kurere village, Awowo, Ewekoro LGA, Ogun state
- No criminal record
- Willing to adhere to project rules and regulations
Benefits of the Program
The Mastercard Foundation and MSME Africa are fully sponsoring this training program, which means selected participants will have the opportunity to learn about the Olericulture value chain and soilless farming for free. In addition, each group of students will receive free farm setup kits, access to off-takers to buy their produce, and post-training mentorship to ensure their success in the field of agriculture.
How to Apply
The deadline for applications is not stated, so interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To apply for the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture program, click here.
Join us in this exciting opportunity to make a difference in the field of agriculture and contribute to sustainable food production. Apply now and unlock your potential in the world of agriculture!
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply for the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture program?
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be between the ages of 18-29, have a genuine interest in vegetable production, be available for 12 weeks of physical training, be physically and mentally fit to work on the farm, and be willing to relocate to Kurere village in Ogun state.
2. What are the benefits of the program?
Selected participants will receive fully sponsored training in Olericulture and soilless farming. They will also receive free farm setup kits, access to off-takers to buy their produce, and post-training mentorship to ensure their success in the field of agriculture.
3. How can I apply for the program?
To apply for the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture program, click on the provided link here and follow the application instructions on the website.
