Ngoma District Mayor Urges Youth to Embrace Agriculture for Job Opportunities
Our Reporter
The Mayor of Ngoma District, Niyonagira Nathalie, expressed her concern over the high rate of unemployment among youths in rural areas where agriculture and breeding are the main sources of income. According to a study by the National Institute of Statistics , Rwanda’s overall unemployment rate was at 20.5% in 2022, with Ngoma District recording a rate of 15.6%.
Mayor Niyonagira emphasized the need for youth to consider agriculture as a viable option for employment and income generation. She highlighted the potential for technological advancements in agriculture to attract young people to the sector, which could lead to increased productivity and profitability.
The Mayor encouraged youths to take advantage of available resources and support services in agriculture, such as access to land, training programs, and financial assistance. She also underscored the importance of starting small and gradually expanding their agricultural activities.
Despite the significant contribution of agriculture to Rwanda’s economy, the participation of youth in agricultural activities remains low. Rwanda’s Transformation Report emphasizes the need to promote agriculture as a key sector for economic development, with the potential to create jobs and boost exports.
In Ngoma District, where agriculture plays a crucial role in livelihoods, initiatives are being implemented to engage young people in farming and livestock activities.