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| Tatendaishe C Ukama- Lemonhead Aggregation Centre head. |
A good example of these focused and entrepreneurial youths is Tatendaishe C Ukama from Zimbabwe a country that has seen its unemployment rate and inflation soar to astronomical levels in the past 20 years
We caught up with this young man to get an insight on his Agriculture business and he shared a very interesting story.
Tatendaishe was born 25 years ago in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe
He is a full time farmer who is specializing in dairy farming ; rabbit breeding ; fodder and pasture production and he runs an exclusive and promising camp called Lemonhean Aggregation Centre
Ukama is an educated farmer who attended Chamakanda Primary and Secondary schools before proceeding to Leopold Takawira Secondary School all in the Chirumhanzu District
He holds a ZGCE Ordinary Level Certificate with Agriculture being one of the subjects he passed
He also holds an Advanced Level Certificate with passes in Biology ; Horticulture and Geography.
"I'm also a receipient of a Certificate in Rabbit Rearing Training at National Rabbit Conservation and Training Institute - Nairobi 2021, Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Representation of Youths in the Community 2022, Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contribution in the Agricultural Sector 2023 and Artificial Insemination and Cattle Management Ranch A.I CENTRE 2024" Tatendaishe told this publication.
His love of nature and animals is what inspired him to persue a career in Agriculture and animal production.
"Growing up, I was always fascinated by the natural world and the animals that inhabit it. I wanted to make a career out of caring for land and helping animals, and to use my passion for nature to make a positive impact on the world. So, I decided to pursue a career in animal production, where I can work with animals every day and help to ensure that they are well cared for while working in the fields doing fodder and pastures for them and caring for the natural pastures" he said.
Tatendaishe inherited the land he is using from his parents and unlike other peers in the same community he is doing all he can to utilise his inheritance to the best of his ability.
Even though he was raised in a farming Community; Ukama didn't started as a farmer until November 2019
He planned to use the money that had been saved for university education by his mother to use it to start his own farming business instead
"I felt that this was the right decision for me, and I'm so glad I made it. The knowledge and experience I'm gaining from running my own farming business is more valuable to me than any university education could be. So, I feel like Lemonhead Aggregation Centre is my university, and I'm learning more here than I ever could have in a traditional university setting." remarked Ukama.
Tatendaishe inherited the land he is using from his parents and unlike his peers from the same community he is utilising his inheritance to the best of his ability
His farming is practised on a 9+ hectares of land and he is the only one from his family who decided to persue farming as a career so he doesn't have to worry about sharing the land with siblings and other family members.
"One of the biggest challenges I face as a young farmer is lack of access to capital and resources. It can be difficult to get the funding I need to start or expand my business, and it's hard to find the equipment and supplies I need at an affordable price. Another challenge is a lack of support and mentorship. It can be hard to find people who are willing to help me learn and grow as a farmer. These challenges can be discouraging, but I'm determined to overcome them and succeed." he said.
Asked if he has ever considered a career out of farming he had this to say "l have never considered of getting out of agriculture because l'm being driven by passion and perseverance and l see agriculture as the most lucrative career and if l'm considering to getting out of agriculture l will be getting into agriculture blended by wildlife conservation.
I love farming and nature because it's not just about growing crops or raising animals. It's about connecting with the earth and understanding how the natural world works. It's about working with the land and learning from it. It's about finding a way to live in harmony with the environment. Agriculture isn't just a job to me, it's a lifestyle and a way of being. It's a way to give back to the earth and to the community around me. I can't imagine doing anything else."
Marketing of Products
Ukama Markets his products locally as this gives his business sustainability by being close to his customers who are part of his community
His customers buys directly from his farm and his customers includes his neighbours ; local institutions and businesses. "I believe that this direct connection is important because it creates a sense of community and connection. I want people to know where their food comes from, and I want them to know that it was grown and raised with care ; I have readily available market for my products, there is high demand for my products and l'm not satisfying the market but my product is on demand."
Message to fellow Youths
"I am going to be honest and straightforward to my fellow young persons who are considering options to venture agriculture, all l could say is that agriculture can be challenging, especially when you're just starting out. There are a lot of difficulties and setbacks that you'll face, especially if you're trying to enter an industry like dairy that can be quite cutthroat. But I believe that with hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to quality, you can overcome these challenges and find success. It may not be easy, but it will be rewarding. If you're passionate about agriculture and are willing to put in the effort you can find a place in this industry and make a difference. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it just because you're young or because you don't have a lot of experience. You can learn and grow, and you can make a difference. It may take time, but it's worth it. If you have a passion for agriculture, don't give up on your dream. Start where you are with what you have , be part of those who have made it with agricultural, always be at where they sit, inhale positivity and exhale negativity from them, opportunities will always follow.
To those who are considering to go to a big city and start looking for a job, it's important to recognize the symbiotic relationship between rural areas and urban areas. Rural areas produce food and other goods that urban areas need, and in turn, urban areas provide economic opportunities and markets for rural producers. By choosing to live and work in a rural area, you can help to strengthen this relationship and make both areas more prosperous. There's nothing wrong with living in a big city, but don't forget the value of rural communities and what they contribute to our society and economy. There are many benefits to living in a rural area, including access to land, water, and other natural resources. There are also many opportunities to connect with nature and to experience a sense of community that you may not find in a big city. Rural areas are the backbone of our society, and they deserve our respect and support."
Tatendaishe C Ukama is a farmer and agricultural entrepreneur who is passionate about sustainable farming and rural development.
He can be contacted on the following details
Cell Phone : ++263779244617
Address: Stand Number 9 Tagarika Village Lynwood Mvuma
Email: ukamatc@gmail.com
Social Media Platforms user name: Tatendaishe C Ukama
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