Agriculture Economist Edify Hamukale says the agriculture sector has the potential to reduce the current high levels of unemployment in the country if well funded.
Dr. Hamukale says the country needs to start working towards ensuring value addition to crops such as groundnuts and sunflowers through crop processing which will ultimately create jobs for the youths.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Dr. Hamukale has since called for increased investment in agriculture programs in the 2023 national budget.
Dr. Hamukale says the government should in the budget abide by the Maputo protocol that requires all governments in Africa to commit at least 10 percent of their budgets towards agriculture support for both livestock and crop production.
He says adherence to the Maputo protocol will help stimulate agri-business, reduce the cost of production, and increase exports.
PHOENIX NEWS