102 young people, including 40 women, received their certificate on March 22, 2023 after a month of training in planting and producing sugar cane for processing into ethanol at the SEFAFI (Sekoly Fambolena Fiompiana) FIHAONANA center in Vohipeno, Fitovinany region of Madagascar.
Apart from the training on the techniques themselves, they have also received training in entrepreneurship, occupational safety and health and the principles of decent work according to the International Labor Organization – ILO. Personal Protective Equipment – PPE was donated to protect them from safety and health risks in their sugar cane field.
All 102 young women and men currently have their bankable business plan. It is also important to note that this sector is buoyant and meets market needs. Young people will therefore have no problem selling their products.
A close follow-up is ensured for at least 5 months after the training in order to ensure the proper application of the different techniques learned during 1 month and the accompaniment of these young people.
The ILO is convinced that the promotion of decent employment for young people in rural areas, especially in the areas of agriculture, livestock and agribusiness, is a key to the development of Madagascar. Indeed, the RGPH-3 report released in 2020 confirmed that 80% of the population live in rural areas and the average age in Madagascar is 22 years old.
The project ” Pro Agro Youth » of the ILO works in close collaboration with the SEFAFI center in Vohipeno, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Region, the various regional directorates as well as other partners with financing from the International Fund for Development (IFAD ).
A strong appeal to all stakeholders was launched by the various speakers to support the professional development of these young people, whether in salaried employment or in decent self-employment.
Source: ILO – Photos provided by RJSET
