On 10 September 2025, Youth from across Dr AB Xuma Municipality came together to elect a new local leadership structure for the Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD). The meeting focused on empowering young people to lead agricultural initiatives and shape sustainable development in rural communities.
What Happened
The gathering brought together young farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural development advocates from all wards of Dr AB Xuma Municipality. The primary purpose was to elect a new Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) committee that will lead youth-led agricultural programmes, strengthen coordination, and promote innovation in the sector.
Discussions during the session showed the importance of dedication, creativity, and collaboration in tackling the challenges of rural development. Participants expressed a strong desire to take ownership of their futures by driving agricultural initiatives that serve local needs.
Official Response
Municipal representatives and officials praised the enthusiasm and vision displayed by the young leaders. They described YARD as a strategic platform to ensure that youth are directly involved in planning, implementing, and benefiting from agricultural development programmes.
“The energy and ideas coming from our young people are essential in building strong, resilient rural communities,” said a spokesperson from Dr AB Xuma Municipality. “We fully support their leadership in this space.”
Municipality officials stressed out their ongoing commitment to nurturing youth participation in agriculture and providing the necessary support and training to ensure sustainability.
Community Impact
The newly elected YARD structure is expected to play an important role in shaping the local agricultural landscape. With the rise of climate challenges, food insecurity, and unemployment, empowering youth to become drivers of rural transformation is both timely and necessary.
