Windhoek — The first 15 youth trainees in mushroom farming, from seven selected regions, last week successfully completed an intensive one-week practical course under Unam's Zeri-project.

The project is an initiative by the National Youth Council of Namibia (NYC) and was financed by Agribank to the tune of N$40 000.

"Mushroom farming is very important for income-generating economic development in the country among the youth, who are offered entrepreneurial and employment opportunities. In this respect, the trainees need to go back to their respective communities and implement what they have learned about mushroom farming," said Alfons Wabahe Mosimane, Unam's Zeri-project manager, at the passing out parade at the campus.

The course was given to guide the youth in mushroom farming in order to produce for self-sustainability.

"Agribank will remain passionate about promoting youth involvement in agriculture and related industries in order to achieve the land reform programme and the objectives of Vision 2030. Courses like these are the best way to promote broad-based economic diversification in efforts to increase food production, reduce poverty and create more jobs," said Regan Mwazi, marketing, communication and research manager of Agribank at the ceremony.

Participants came from the regions of Caprivi, Okavango, Otjozondjupa, Khomas, Omaheke, Hardap and Karas.

"I am calling upon the trainees to become mentors in the communities of their respective regions to promote mushroom farming on a large scale. This activity does not require huge land and expensive capital to develop, an activity crucial for economic development," Mwazi said.