Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines - Fisal Hafiz represented
JAMTANI at the first Asia-Pacific Young Farmers Camp and Agrilympics
(YFCA) held spectacularly at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
(UPLB), Laguna, Philippines, on August 12-16, 2024. The event brought together
120 young farmers, fishermen, ranchers and forest users from 20 countries in
the Asia and Pacific region to take part in the agrilympics, promote
sustainable agriculture, encourage agricultural innovation, build networks and
highlight agriculture as a viable career option.
In
this modern era, agriculture is often seen as a less attractive career choice
for the younger generation. According to the Food And Agriculture
Organization (FAO), around 65%-75% of young people in rural areas are not
interested in working in agriculture. The main factors influencing this view
include limited access to land, inadequate training, lack of funding and the
impact of climate change such as prolonged droughts and unpredictable growing
seasons, adding to the challenges for young farmers.
Reflecting
on these issues, the Asian Farmers' Association for Sustainable Rural
Development (AFA), the International Cooperative Alliance- Asia Pacific, and
the Pacific Farmers Organisation (PFO) collaborated in organizing the
Asia-Pacific Young Farmers Camp and Agrilympics (YFCA). The event invited
delegates from various countries to participate in a series of activities under
the theme “Strengthening the Engagement of Young Farmers in Cooperatives and
Organizations to Contribute to a Safe, Fair and Resilient Food Community.”
YFCA
aims to raise awareness among young farmers to see agriculture as a viable
career for young people. There are several parts to this YFCA activity, ranging
from Plenary Sessions, Knowledge Market Share Fair, World café, Climate
action, skills lab where participants are encouraged to think creatively
related to cooperative and organizational governance, innovative agricultural
initiatives, facilitate exchange and learning between young farmers and
mentors, and inspire the establishment of a platform or network of young
farmers in the region. To further motivate young farmers, the event also
featured young farmer entrepreneurs who are pioneering the transition to
climate-resilient agriculture across the continent.
JAMTANI (JARINGAN MASYARAKAT TANI INDONESIA) through one of
its young farmers, Fisal Hafiz, actively participated in a series of
activities, one of which was the Knowledge Market Share Fair. Fisal won
“Best Product for Value Addition” and “Most Innovative Youth-Led
Initiative”. The award was obtained for the presentation of the
introduction and innovation of products produced and marketed by JAMTANI Cooperative,
namely Palm Oil, Organic Bricket Fertilizer, Grape Leaf Chips, Spinach Chips,
Banana Sale, and Ant Sugar.
With JAMTANI's participation in this event, it is hoped
that the knowledge and experience gained can be applied in fostering
generations of young farmers. By recognizing that agriculture can be an
attractive and potentially lucrative career choice, as well as providing the
necessary support, the ultimate goal is to increase the young generation's
interest in the sector. The importance of nurturing a new and competent
generation of farmers cannot be underestimated, especially in the face of the
challenges of an aging farming population and the need for innovation in
agriculture.
