By Dalitso Kampira

Thyolo, January 14, Mana: Youths in Thyolo have commended the Transforming Agriculture Through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE) programme for improving their livelihoods.

The commendation was made during the district council’s supervision visit conducted by TRADE in various Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) in the district.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency on Tuesday after a meeting at Goliati Milk Bulking Group Youth Clubs under Matapwata EPA, one of the beneficiaries, Master Jonas said the programme has transformed his life.

“With the introduction of the programme, I have started a business of selling potato chips. I am also a student and the income I earn enables me to pay my school fees independently,” he said.

Another beneficiary, a youthful mother, Aida Mandala, illustrated how the household approach method introduced by the programme has positively contributed to her wellbeing.

“Initially, I didnt understand the importance of working together as a family. But now we collaborate for the benefit of all, regardless of gender roles,” she said.

Mandala added that after being mentored, she set a vision to accomplish certain goals by 2026, many of which have already been achieved.

Jessie Mathiya, an extension worker for Matapwata EPA, hailed TRADE project for equipping the youth with valuable skills and keeping them engaged.

“The project is crucial as it has trained the youth in making cattle feed (silage) to boost milk production, entrepreneurship and managing village savings banks,” Mathiya said.

She encouraged other youths to join similar groups to gain skills and remain active, emphasizing that “the youth need to be proactive, not passive.”

Thyolo District Youth Officer Blessings Major thanked TRADE for the impact it has made on the youth, noting its significant role in uplifting the district's socio-economic profile.

“Under the initiative, the youth are being trained in business management and strategies to increase their income. This instills a spirit of self-reliance and contributes to national development,” he said.

Major, however, emphasized that active youth participation in business and projects reduces unemployment and curbs immoral behaviour stemming from idleness.

Thyolo TRADE Desk Officer Kingsley Masinga disclosed that the programme has trained 15 youths under Goliati Milk Bulking Groups in making cattle feed and other essential skills.

“These trained youths are now running businesses instead of solely relying on employment after school, reflecting a change in mindset,” Masinga said.

The six-year TRADE project is being implemented in Thyolo across four EPAs of Matapwata, Thyolo Central, Dwale and Khonjeni.