How permaculture can create farm jobs for youth in Guinea
For Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2023, we celebrate small entrepreneurs from all over the world. Small businesses account for 90% of the world's businesses, 60 to 70% of employment, and 50% of the global economy. They contribute to local and national economies and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
Mr. Saibou Bah, could you please introduce yourself?
I am an agricultural engineer with a degree in agriculture from the École Nationale d'Agriculture et d'Élevage de Tolo (National School of Agriculture and Livestock in Tolo). I created ENPRODIL GUINEA in 2019, a vegetable production and distribution company (tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli). At the same time, ENPRODIL GUINEA is part of the Farmers' Club for Agro-pastoral Promotion in Guinea. We support companies in the design and implementation of their agricultural projects, and organize training to promote the socio-professional integration of youth in Guinea.
What sector has the potential to create jobs in Guinea?
In my opinion, agriculture is a promising sector, particularly in the Mamou region, which has rich and fertile lands because it’s close to two rivers and has a suitable microclimate. This enables us to be a major production region all year round. Agriculture offers numerous job opportunities across the value chain.
In addition, Guinea has a dynamic youth population and committed players, such as the Farmers' Club for Agro-pastoral Promotion, who support youth and enable them to give the best of themselves to fully integrate into socio-professional life.
What solutions can offer a profitable and sustainable production?
I've received a lot of ITC training, particularly in food production and processing techniques and market screening. But the one that really stood out for us was the permaculture course.
Permaculture is a production system that is proving profitable and effective for young Guineans. It's a responsible agriculture model that respects nature, animals, soil, and the consumer. We can create a symbiosis between the different elements, while respecting the principles of good neighbourliness. With today's climate and biodiversity challenges, this is even more essential.
Unlike conventional farming, this approach allows you to progress at your own pace and gradually build a sustainable farm, without having to resort to expensive products. Within two to three years, good results can be achieved. So it’s crucial to encourage young people to persevere and adopt these responsible techniques.
I will continue to develop activities in the field of sustainable agriculture, using the principles and techniques of permaculture learned during my various INTEGRA training courses.
Mr. Saibou BAH is a beneficiary of ITC's Support programme for the socio-economic integration of the Guinean youth (Programme d'appui à l'intégration socio-économique des jeunes en Guinée - INTEGRA), a joint initiative of the Guinean government and the European Union (EU).
