In a significant step toward empowering young farmers in rural areas, Foreningen for Unge Nydanskere (FUN) and Abwenzi Frivillige Forening (AFF) of Denmark, in partnership with Abwenzi Women Association (AWA) of Zambia, successfully implemented a transformative seminar in April 2025 as part of a funded pilot project by Dansk Ungdoms Fællesråd (DUF), aimed at addressing the exploitation faced by rural youth in agriculture. This milestone event laid the foundation for lasting change by engaging young people, traditional leaders, and Government stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and collective action.
A Seminar that Delivered Real Impact
The seminar brought together youth farmers from the Chief Madzimawe area, local leaders, and key partners for several days of interactive learning, discussion, and planning. The atmosphere was one of enthusiasm, commitment, and a strong sense of shared purpose and the results have been nothing short of inspiring.
Among the most significant outcomes of the seminar:
- Strengthened Partnerships: Enhanced collaboration between FUN–AFF, AWA, and community stakeholders led to more effective project implementation and stronger local ownership. of the project.
- Youth Leadership and Initiative: Youth engagement was particularly exceptionally strong. Young farmers went beyond exceeded expectations by forming village banking groups a move that represents a shift in rural financial inclusion, as these groups were previously dominated by older generations.
- Institutional Change from Traditional Authority: In a powerful moment of recognition, reflection the His Royal Highness of the region Chief Madzimawe publicly acknowledged the lack of youth representation in his council. He has since committed to establishing a Youth Department within the palace structure, signaling a lasting shift toward inclusive governance.
- Stronger Awareness of Their Rights in Trade: Rural young farmers gained a better understanding of their rights when selling their farm produce. They learned to recognize unfair prices and exploitation, and to stand up for themselves during negotiations. This knowledge is helping them make better decisions when selling their products.
Reaching Beyond the Seminar
To amplify the seminar’s messages and outcomes, a multi-platform communication approach was used:
- Live Radio Broadcast: Day three of the seminar was aired live on Radio 3FM, a provincial station, reaching listeners far beyond the immediate project area and sparking wider community interest.
- Government Engagement: Representatives from the Ministry of Community Development attended and were officially introduced to the project. Their presence helped elevate the project’s visibility at both the provincial and national levels.
- Social Media Coverage: Real-time updates, photos, and stories were shared through FUN–AFF and AWA’s social media platforms, ensuring ongoing engagement and transparency with the public.
Project Sustainability Strategies for Continued Community Development
Beyond awareness and training, the seminar led to the creation of practical structures to support long-term sustainability:
- Youth Farmer Support Groups have been formed, providing platforms for peer support, networks, knowledge exchange, village banking groups and collective advocacy.
- Youth Farmer Support Groups: These groups provide platforms for peer support, knowledge sharing, village banking, networking, and collective advocacy, empowering the rural young farmers to grow stronger together.
- Appointed Youth Leader: A dedicated youth representative has been officially appointed to coordinate all local project activities, ensuring grassroots community ownership and consistent follow-up at the grassroots level.
- Regular Monitoring: AWA now conducts monthly meetings with group representatives and community leaders. These meetings serve as key moments for feedback, problem-solving, and tracking progress on the ground.
Looking Ahead: Scaling What Works
As we prepare for the mid-term evaluation in August, data collection is ongoing through narrative reports, focus group discussions, and individual feedback from participants. These insights will inform not only the remainder of this project but also shape future strategies for scale-up and sustainability.
This seminar was more than an event it was a launchpad for transformation. It has mobilized youth, encouraged inclusive governance, and positioned FUN–AFF and AWA as key players in rural youth empowerment.
We are proud of the progress made, and more committed than ever to ensuring that young farmers have the knowledge, voice, and opportunities to thrive in the agricultural sector and beyond.