Region Ten youths benefitting from agriculture ICT training

Ten young people in Region Ten are participating in a four-week Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programme, aimed at enhancing development in the agriculture sector.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Region Ten Regional Democratic Council, is focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence and e-agriculture.

Speaking with DPI, Regional Chairman, Mr. Deron Adams said this approach is a ‘no-brainer’ for the administration as it seeks to inspire youth to become engaged in this traditional sector.  This, he said, will not only improve their livelihoods and increase agricultural productivity, but also empower them.

“We believe [in] incorporating and getting our young people involved. We cannot use or continue to engage with the sector in the traditional way because you will not capture the attention of young people and so by incorporating ICT into it, giving them a device, they can connect with experts,” he said.

The Region also seeks to encourage young people to look beyond the oil and gas sector as agriculture is the backbone of Guyana’s economy.

Mr. Adams said the training has been going well and will soon lead to other spin-off benefits, including the convening of an agro-processing training programme.

“It is our hope that we will be able to formulate policies that will speak directly to the investments in the agriculture sector and improving and creating employment for our people,” he explained.

Additionally, the Regional Chairman said the administration is currently in talks with the Linden Enterprise Network and the Agriculture Department to establish a food processing facility.

“We have been in discussion with a number of partners to see how we can accommodate, to push that agenda to ensure that agro-processing is given that much needed attention since it will create employment and it will ensure food security in the region,” Mr. Adams said. The Regional Chairman is inviting more young people to get involved to boost the Region’s agriculture sector.