As
we continue to juggle the year , a lot of indications of earlier activities of 2014 show that serious attention would be drawn to agriculture,
with a business unusual dimension for the sector. What this means is that
agriculture would no longer be seen as mere farming- a laborious venture with
lot of waiting period for benefits to be gotten but rather as a business, a
source of employment for the youths, a source of livelihood and most
importantly (especially to me) a sector that young people would begin to find desirous,
attractive and lucrative.
To succeed as young people and agric
entrepreneurs, it is important that we are armed with not only the relevant
information, right and appropriate skills to thrive but have a strong desire
and see the attractive but BIG picture in Agriculture, Food Supply
Chain, and Food Safety etc.
·
Be Business Plan Ready:
Funding and grant competitions and opportunities would open up in 2015. One of
the basic requirements is that you MUST have a business plan. It is important
that you have one ready at all times. You just have to be ready when the
opportunity comes knocking at the door. Be it a competition or the opportunity
to pitch your plan before potential clients or investors.
·
Leverage on the Skills and Knowledge (of your friends and
associates): Involve trusted friends (vision or
dream builders) in your endeavor. The world we live in is blessed with very
blessed individuals and this offers us a win-win environment. Be willing to ask
for help from friends who would be ready to do some tasks for you at no cost or
a cheaper one. Let us take this as a typical example, do you need to do graphic
design works for branding of your agro firm why not talk to a friend who has
got expertise in graphic design. Often, such ones are willing to do it for free
or at a comfortable discount. BUT never take the help or discount for
granted.
·
Do not Joke with Farmers’ Organization: Interestingly, government, research institutions,
organization, banks etc. both local and international desire always to align
with groups of farmers rather than individuals. So ensure that you are part of
a farmers’ organization or cooperative at the very least. What more,
interacting with fellow farmers and agro allied service providers helps in
understanding the terrain and create synergy to tackle common problems and
challenges.
·
Be Information Hungry:
it is often said that “knowledge is Power”. As young people (with a so much
passion, desire that finds Agriculture attractive), we need to be HUNGRY for
relevant and credible information and resources. Sometimes this information
opens up tips, opportunities and a large array of doors and networks that would
be helpful. This brings me to the Power of the Social Media Networks. Merely
following the research bodies like CGIAR, FARA, CIMMIT on twitter connects you
to lot of information that would be invaluable.
·
Engage in Personal Development and Training: Everyday new findings and results are revealed or unraveled
through researches. More knowledge is provided about value chains and
investment opportunities for entrepreneurs in the sector. As young
entrepreneurs it is important that you get the right trainings through
workshops, conferences and specialized training classes. Sometimes you have to
pay for them. It could be a new method of cropping or livestock management or
even soft skills and business management training. All these make us fit for
the sector and ready to excel.
Join the revolution of Young
Agropreneurs; our Nation and continent waits on us to turn things around. This
is real business. Follow these tips and some more you may have gathered on
your own and be sure of success. See you all at the top.
Source: Young Professionals for Agricultural Development
Source: Young Professionals for Agricultural Development
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