By McGeorge Mbare
BEITBRIDGE youths have been urged to seize various opportunities in the agriculture sector, such as drought resistant animals and crops in order to empower and better their livelihood.
This message was conveyed during a youth engagement programme organised by the Youth Collective Action for Social Transformation Alliance, Women’s Institute for Leadership Development, and its beneficiaries Ukuna, Tshilidzi, and The Prophetic Church, held in Beitbridge on February 27, 2026.
Various panellists from the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development, Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small-Medium Enterprise Development, and the Rural District Council highlighted the matter.
Ms Onita Dube from the Ministry of Youth highlighted that Beitbridge, being the busiest inland port in Sub-Saharan Africa, offers a unique economic landscape, including climate-smart agriculture (CSA) opportunities.
“There are various available opportunities in theClimate-Smart Agriculture sector (CSA). Given Beitbridge’s semi-arid climate (region 5), there is a massive push for solar-powered irrigation and drought-resistant livestock for example boar goat projects, cattle and poultry through national programs like Pfumvudza/Intwasa,” Dube said.
Speaking at the same workshop Beitbridge District Economist Gugulethu Moyo analysed opportunities and gaps for Beitbridge Youth, stating that the town has a high-mobility with strong demand for formal and informal trade.
Surrounding rural areas rely on smallholder farming and livestock which presented opportunities.
“Agro-processing, small irrigation, and livestock value chains are key opportunities, with surrounding rural areas producing various crops and animals,” Moyo said.
On the significance of the program, the co-founder of Tshilidzi, Jubilant Mangavha said this initiative aims to encourage youth to grab every opportunity, such as farming business, so that they can earn a living.
The panellists provided valuable insights on how youth can utilise the various agricultural opportunities available in Beitbridge and its rural surroundings.