Youth clubs engaged in sunflower contract farming in Rumphi district, under YONECO’s Youth Development Programme, are expecting a bumper harvest following encouraging progress on the farms that were visited in early May, 2026.
YONECO, in partnership with the Rumphi District Youth Office (DYO), conducted a monitoring visit to Masato and Lumphawa youth clubs to assess the implementation of the programme and the level of participation among young farmers.
The visit revealed strong commitment from youth club members, many of whom have embraced the contract farming initiative as a viable pathway to economic empowerment. The young farmers expressed optimism about the anticipated yields and the opportunity to access reliable markets for their produce.
YONECO introduced sunflower contract farming as part of its broader efforts to equip young people with practical agricultural and business management skills. The initiative aims to enable youth to generate income, sustain their clubs, and improve their livelihoods through agribusiness.
Officials from Rumphi DYO noted that the positive response from the youth is a clear indication that such initiatives can play a significant role in addressing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among young people in rural communities.
“With the current progress and level of commitment demonstrated, we are hopeful that the initiative will not only result in a bumper harvest but also contribute to long-term economic growth and youth development in the district,” explained an official from Rumphi DYO.
