Mastercard Foundation Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture Program

You are here to learn about the Mastercard Foundation Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture Program. As you may already know, this is a ‘Work, Learn, and Earn' opportunity to train unemployed youths and women in vegetable production (Olericulture) using technology.

The technologies to be deployed in this program include:

1. Greenhouse farming – a climate-smart growing method that gives growers control over biotic and abiotic factors.
2. Soilless farming (hydroponics) – a growing method that does not depend on soil, it allows the grower to grow year-round regardless of the season
3. ML & AI tools – These will be used in monitoring the irrigation of the plants as well as proper nutrient combination for the plants
4. Integrated Pest Management – A combination of physical and biological control will be used throughout the project to ensure proper pest management.

All interested students will be admitted quarterly into the project, 1000 students per quarter, and will be grouped into 50s. In a year there will be 4 admissions, thus:

1. Annual student intake = 4000
2. A batch of students admitted quarterly = 1000
3. A batch consists of 20 groups
4. A group consisting of 50 team members

Work:

1. All 50 students in a group have joint ownership of a 3 plots hydroponics farm
2. Each group will have a technical team (16), an Agronomy team (12), a Packaging/branding team (8), a logistics (6), and an Account/Management team (8)

Learn:

1. All students will be trained on basic greenhouse setup
2. All students will be trained on basic soilless farm setup
3. All students will be trained in basic ML and AI setup
4. All students will be trained in basic Olericulture production
5. Students will also be trained based on their units – technical, agronomy, etc so they can manage the company on their own

Earn:

1. The students will earn a stipend during the 3 months of training
2. Accommodation is provided for 3months
3. Learn how to set/manage greenhouses and hydroponics
4. Earn salaries from their company from the 4^th month of inception from produce sales

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Eligibility Criteria for the Mastercard Foundation Enterprise

• You must be between 18 – 29 years old at the time of application
• Genuine interest in Olericulture
• Available for 12 weeks of physical training
• You must be physically and mentally fit to work with a team on the farm
• Willingness to work and live within the project location (Awowo, Abeokuta, Ogun state)
• You don't have a criminal record
• Willingness to adhere to and respect the rules and regulations of the project and its location

What are the Benefits of the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture?

The benefits of the Mastercard Foundation Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture Program includes the following:

• Fully Sponsored Training: You learn about the Olericulture value chain and soilless farming for free.
• Free Farm Setup Kits: A cluster (group of 50 students) Will work on 3 plots of hydroponics farm set up for them
• Access to Offtakers: You will get connected to off-takers to buy off the produce
• Post Training + Mentorship: Activities include presentation (action plan of training), Performance try-out, and follow-up

How To Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture

To apply for the Mastercard Foundation Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture Program, all you need to do is Visit Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture website and fill out the application form.

Once that is done, further instructions will be sent to you via the contact information you used on the application form.

Application Deadline: Unspecified.

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