Driving Youth Empowerment Through Smart Farming and Innovation in Mpumalanga

The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) is strengthening its commitment to youth empowerment by promoting modern agriculture as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable rural development. Through innovative farming practices, strategic partnerships and targeted support programmes, the department is equipping young people with the knowledge, resources and confidence needed to succeed in the agricultural sector. This commitment was reaffirmed by MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi during this year’s Departmental Youth Event held in Manzana under the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality. The event highlighted government’s ongoing investment in youth development while encouraging young people to become active participants in building South Africa’s agricultural future.

Addressing the gathering, MEC Moeketsi emphasised that DARDLEA is actively creating opportunities for young people by embracing smart farming technologies and modern agricultural practices. She explained that agriculture is evolving rapidly and that young farmers must be prepared to use innovation, technology and sustainable production methods to remain competitive. The department is also working to ensure that young people receive practical support beyond farming techniques by connecting them with financial education, start-up funding opportunities and wellness services. According to the MEC, these interventions are designed to remove barriers that often prevent young entrepreneurs from entering the agricultural sector. By investing in young people today, the department aims to strengthen food security, create employment and stimulate economic growth across rural communities.

The event also reinforced government’s commitment to youth development through the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) and several other programmes that focus on skills development, entrepreneurship and employment creation. MEC Moeketsi reaffirmed that the provincial government will continue investing in young people through targeted interventions that respond to the challenges they face. These initiatives are intended to ensure that youth have access to meaningful opportunities that can improve their livelihoods while contributing to the growth of the agricultural economy. Government recognises that empowering young people requires more than financial assistance alone. It also requires mentorship, education and partnerships that provide practical support throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

One of the major highlights of the Departmental Youth Event was the participation of several key stakeholders who brought valuable services directly to young people. Their involvement demonstrated the importance of collaboration between government departments, financial institutions and youth development organisations in building successful farming enterprises. Each organisation contributed specialised knowledge that addressed different aspects of youth empowerment, ensuring that participants received well rounded guidance. This collaborative approach reflects DARDLEA’s vision of creating an enabling environment where young entrepreneurs can access the support they need in one place. The event served as both an educational platform and an opportunity for networking with organisations committed to youth success.

Financial literacy formed a key component of the day’s programme, with Old Mutual encouraging young people to take control of their financial futures through careful planning, responsible budgeting and financial discipline. Participants were reminded that successful businesses require strong financial management alongside technical skills. Understanding how to manage income, reduce unnecessary spending and plan for future investments can significantly improve the long term sustainability of farming enterprises. The presentation encouraged young entrepreneurs to develop healthy financial habits from the beginning of their business journeys. These lessons are particularly valuable for first time business owners seeking to establish profitable agricultural operations.

Mental health and personal wellbeing also received significant attention during the event. Representatives from the Department of Social Development and the Department of Health addressed participants on the importance of mental health, emotional resilience and overall wellness. They emphasised that entrepreneurship and farming can present significant challenges, making it essential for young people to maintain both their physical and mental wellbeing. By providing information about available support services, the departments encouraged young farmers to seek help whenever they experience stress or other mental health challenges. This holistic approach recognises that successful entrepreneurs need strong emotional wellbeing alongside financial and technical skills.

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) also used the event to educate participants about grant funding opportunities available to young entrepreneurs. Young people were encouraged to apply for business funding through the NYDA’s online Enterprise Resource Planning platform, which supports qualifying start-ups across various sectors, including agriculture. Access to funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing aspiring entrepreneurs, making these opportunities particularly important for youth looking to establish farming businesses. The presentation also highlighted the importance of developing strong business plans and meeting application requirements to improve the chances of securing financial support. By increasing awareness of available funding, the NYDA hopes to inspire more young people to transform their business ideas into successful enterprises.

Another source of inspiration came from Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD), which encouraged participants to pursue farming as a viable and rewarding career. The organisation motivated attendees to recognise the opportunities available within agriculture and challenged them to take the first steps toward establishing their own farming businesses. Young people were reminded that agriculture offers far more than traditional farming, with opportunities existing across livestock production, crop farming, agribusiness, agro processing and agricultural technology. By embracing entrepreneurship, youth can become employers rather than job seekers while contributing to food production and rural economic development. The message encouraged confidence, innovation and determination among aspiring farmers.

The overall message delivered throughout the Departmental Youth Event was that young people should become innovators rather than spectators in shaping South Africa’s agricultural future. Agriculture continues to stand out as one of the country’s most powerful tools for creating employment, improving food security and driving rural development. Through smart farming, financial education, mental health support and access to funding, DARDLEA and its partners are creating opportunities that can transform the lives of young people across Mpumalanga. The department’s continued investment in youth demonstrates a long term commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. As more young people embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, they will play a vital role in building a stronger, more productive and more inclusive agricultural sector for South Africa.