Challenges Facing Young People in Ifakara
In Ifakara, many young people face significant barriers to securing stable sources of income. The majority rely on seasonal farming activities such as paddy farming and fishing, which often fail to provide consistent earnings year-round. This financial instability makes it difficult for the youth to achieve long-term financial growth or meet their basic needs. Additionally, without access to capital, many young people are unable to start sustainable businesses, such as agricultural ventures, poultry farming, or small-scale entrepreneurship. As a result, opportunities for economic advancement remain limited.
Masudi Dadi’s Journey to Financial Stability
Masudi Dadi, a young leader from Mahutanga village in Lumemo ward, is a prime example of the challenges faced by many youth in Ifakara. Before joining the Skills for Employment Tanzania (SET) program, Masudi’s primary source of income was fishing. However, his monthly earnings were inconsistent, amounting to roughly 100,000 Tanzanian shillings. Like many of his peers, Masudi struggled with financial instability, unable to rely on his income for long-term financial security.
The SET Program: Empowering Youth with Skills
In June 2023, Masudi took a decisive step towards transforming his financial situation by joining the SET program, a collaboration between Restless Development and Swiss Contact. The program aims to equip young people with skills in modern poultry farming, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to create sustainable businesses.
Masudi’s training covered crucial aspects of poultry farming, including the construction of proper chicken houses, the preparation of nutritious chicken feed, and the identification of risks and diseases related to poultry farming. With this newfound knowledge, Masudi was able to start his own poultry business with 100 chicks, marking the beginning of his journey toward financial independence.
Turning a Profit: Masudi’s Poultry Business Growth
Since launching his poultry business, Masudi’s income has grown exponentially. He now earns approximately 300,000 Tanzanian shillings per month. Despite spending around 800,000 shillings to maintain his flock of 100 chicks, he is generating a profit of at least 1,100,000 shillings. The growth of his business has enabled him to expand his flock, and he plans to diversify by adding different varieties, including egg-laying chickens.
A Grateful Future: Stability and Success
Masudi is immensely grateful for the opportunities provided by the SET program, which have given him a stable and reliable source of income. The knowledge and skills he gained through the program have not only improved his financial situation but also opened doors for further growth and entrepreneurial opportunities. With a brighter future ahead, Masudi’s success story stands as a testament to the transformative power of skill development programs like SET, which are helping young people in Ifakara and beyond to overcome economic challenges and build sustainable livelihoods.
With the skills I’ve gained in poultry farming, I have a stable and growing business. We must take charge of our lives—learning new skills and seizing opportunities is the key to success. This training didn’t just teach me how to raise chickens, t taught me how to build a sustainable foundation for my life
Masudi
