The Senegalese government has set aside $93.3 million to pour into rural entrepreneurship in a bid to curb poverty and underemployment. The country has suffered the result of rural youths leaving the country in droves in search of opportunities abroad; a move which she considers deadly due to the horror stories associated with it. Poverty in the rural areas has also caused an increase in rural-urban migration which erodes progress in the city. While the country’s GDP is at an impressive 7% per annum, this development is mostly urban, so the rural population remains unaddressed. The fund will provide financial support and training to youths in agriculture, pastoral sectors, and fisheries. The project is expected to reach out to more than 150,000 people, half the number being women.
Dear D –
Do you know that Africa’ s economic prosperity will only be fully exploited if the urban growth in most countries is reflected in its rural areas ? While most countries are benefiting from urbanization, their rural population is languishing in poverty, hence drawing the country back. South Africa is an example of an economy where more than 30 million people are poor, despite the heavy technology and mechanization in the country. While youths may choose to seek greener pastures abroad or migrate to urban areas, none of these are viable options. The best way is for rural Africa to foster its own growth by empowering its rural population through education and employment programs. Diaspora investors and entrepreneurs need to pour into rural projects. Top initiatives include making credit more accessible to smallholders and supporting training projects. Read the entire article at Africa Times