LAMGABHI – Lamgabhi, Dlangeni and Nsukumbili communities under Hhukwini Inkhundla have trained young people in nursery and orchard establishment skills.
The training, which is part of the Planting for the Future Project empowers young people with vital knowledge and practical skills to become key contributors to socioeconomic progress and sustainable development in their communities. Through targeted sessions on climate change, environmental sustainability, and plant propagation, participants engage in both theoretical lessons and hands-on practice.
Project coordinator,Siyabonga Nxumalo said the aim of the project is to equip unemployed youth with essential agricultural skills to enable them to grow, manage, and sell seedlings. He said this will enable the youth to earn an income and live sustainable lives. He also said the training was designed to tackle unemployment while promoting agribusiness as a sustainable career path.
“We realized that many young people in the community are struggling to find jobs, yet there are vast opportunities in agriculture,” he said. “Our goal is to teach them practical skills so they can start their own nurseries and orchards and eventually sell seedlings within Lamgabhi and beyond.
The project, implemented by boMake Rural Projects with support from the Eswatini Environment Fund, seeks to restore biodiversity, combat land degradation, and improve livelihoods for women and youth. As part of its long-term impact, three youth-led nurseries will be established across the constituency to serve as centres of continued learning and income generation.
Nxumalo said the training was inclusive, ensuring that both young men and women gain the knowledge to contribute meaningfully to their households and communities.
One of the participants, Gcinekile Magagula, shared that the programme creates new opportunities.
“I used to think farming was for older people, but this training has changed my mindset. Now I know how to cut stems, plant them,” she said.
Another trainee, Nxaba Dlamini, expressed excitement about the experience.
“I’m thrilled to share my experience learning about propagating indigenous and fruit trees! This journey has been both exciting and enlightening. I’ve gained valuable knowledge that I believe will benefit not only the youth but also our communities. I’d love to see more initiatives like this, perhaps focusing on financial literacy or other essential life skills. Thank you for providing such a wonderful opportunity for growth and development!” he said.
Community members have also shown great support by letting the youth train in their gardens, noting that the initiative is reviving youth interest in productive and sustainable work.
Nxumalo said they hope for a lasting impact.
“This is just the beginning. Once these young people master the skills, they can train others and expand the project to neighboring communities. We want to create a chain of empowered youth who see value in the land,” he said.
Discussion about this post