Almost 250 unemployed youngsters across KZN are sowing the seeds for their future through a hands-on farming work experience programme.

The programme, launched by provincial agriculture MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa in Mandeni last week, will place participants on working farms to improve their skills and help with future employment.

Around half of the group are graduates who will focus on entrepreneurial and business skills. A further 109 will learn proper farming practices as a first step towards becoming extension officers.

Extension officers are government employees that can be called upon by farmers to solve specific challenges they are facing. Each officer currently advises more than 1 700 farmers in KZN, far above the recommended 250.

Mandlenkosi Mdluli, one of the programme’s beneficiaries, says he is looking forward to the experience.

“Farming may not always seem trendy, but it is an important and evolving industry,” he said.

“Agriculture plays a key role in our economy and offers real opportunities for growth. I encourage more youth to get involved. There are plenty of opportunities to explore, and this programme shows that farming is not just a job, it’s a way to transform your life.”

The 2025 national general household survey reported a 43 percent unemployment rate among youth in the fourth quarter, with graduate unemployment doubling since 2008.