The Mastercard Foundation Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture programme, which is sponsored by a partnership between MasterCard and the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture through Technology-enabled Vegetable Production (EYiA) is now inviting applications from Nigerian youths in agriculture.
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| Host: Mastercard Foundation Open to: Nigerians Target: Youths Deadline: November 18, 2023 |
About the MasterCard Foundation Enterprise for Youths in Agriculture Programme
The program’s goal is to enhance economic prospects for Nigerian youth, with a special focus on young women, by promoting high-quality vegetable cultivation as a means of empowering entrepreneurship on limited land spaces. Engage, Educate, and Empower—offering a chance to educate young individuals and women in the art of vegetable cultivation (olericulture) utilizing modern technology.
This application form is a vital component of the selection procedure, necessitating essential details about your personal information and training preferences. Please ensure it is accurately filled out for your application to be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the MasterCard Foundation Enterprise for Youths in Agriculture Programme must:
- You Must be between the ages of 18 and 29 at the time of application
- You must have a genuine interest in oleiculture.
- You must be Available For 12 weeks of physical training
- You must be physically and mentally fit to work with the team on the farm
- You must be willing to relocate to Kurere village, Awowo, Ewekoro LGA, Ogun State. This is physical training, and it cannot be attended by proxy.
- You Must not have a criminal record
- You Must be willing to adhere to and respect the rules and regulations of the project and its location
Benefit
- Benefit from a fully funded training program where you can delve into the intricacies of the oleiculture value chain and soilless farming without any cost. This hands-on training is meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to co-own and co-manage a soilless farm within a group setting.
- Free Farm Setup Packages
- Participate in a group of 50 students, forming a cluster that will have the opportunity to work on three hydroponic farm plots specially set up for them. These clusters will receive support in logistics and access to on-site storage facilities. Additionally, each cluster will be formally registered as a company, providing a structured foundation for their farming endeavors.
- Access to Market Buyers
- Gain valuable connections to off-takers who will purchase your produce right from the project’s inception until you are able to establish your own client base. This initiative allows you to apply the marketing skills you’ve acquired, ensuring a practical understanding of market dynamics.
- Post-training and Mentorship Activities include presentation (action plan for training), performance try-out, and follow-up. You demonstrate and illustrate each step of a task. You will repeat tasks multiple times so that your mistakes are corrected.
Application Procedure
- Application and Selection: The application portal has a 3-minute video that explains what the project is about and an assessment based on what the project is about. This is to ensure the students understand what the project entails and are willing to follow through with the process.
- Interview preparation: On the successful completion of your application form, you will get a link to watch a short introductory video on soilless farming (hydroponics) technology. The video also teaches you how to set up a hydroponics system for your home use.
Applicants who are interested can apply here.
For more information, visit MasterCard Foundation Enterprise for Youths in Agriculture Programme