Deadline: 22-Feb-2026
The Youth Green Transition Project Phase 2 equips urban youth in Mutare, Zimbabwe with practical skills in hydroponics, aquaponics, organic farming, and climate-smart water management. Implemented by Hivos with local partners and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Zimbabwe, the program strengthens youth-led agribusinesses through hands-on training, water-efficient technologies, and sustainable business development support.
Program Overview
The Youth Green Transition Project Phase 2 is a climate-smart urban agriculture initiative designed to help young entrepreneurs build sustainable, market-oriented agribusinesses in water-stressed urban environments.
The project is implemented by:
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Hivos
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Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Organization
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Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust
It is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Zimbabwe.
Phase 2 builds on Phase 1, which supported start-ups and entry-level green entrepreneurs. The second phase focuses on strengthening established youth-led agribusinesses in Mutare.
Core Objectives of Phase 2
The program aims to:
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Strengthen youth-led agribusinesses in water-stressed urban areas
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Promote climate-smart agriculture and green entrepreneurship
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Improve water efficiency and sustainable food production systems
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Build long-term resilience to climate change
The initiative responds to increasing water scarcity and climate variability affecting urban agriculture in Mutare.
Key Training Areas and Technical Skills
Participants receive hands-on training in sustainable agricultural technologies and water management systems.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Techniques
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Hydroponics (soil-less crop production)
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Aquaponics (integrated fish and plant systems)
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Organic farming practices
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Market-oriented urban farming
Water Management and Conservation Skills
The project emphasizes practical water solutions, including:
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Water harvesting, storage, and distribution systems
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Low-cost urban water systems
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Water recycling and greywater reuse
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Soil water conservation methods
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Water-efficient irrigation technologies
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Water budgeting for agribusiness planning
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Integration of water management into climate-smart production
Participants gain experience through technology demonstration sites within the city.
Practical Learning and Demonstration Sites
Training includes:
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Small-scale water harvesting systems
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Filtration and greywater reuse models
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Demonstrations of cost-effective irrigation systems
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Business-aligned technology selection guidance
Young agripreneurs are guided in choosing technologies that match:
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Business size
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Available resources
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Market demand
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Water availability
This ensures solutions are affordable, scalable, and environmentally sustainable.
Business Development and Market Integration
Beyond technical skills, the program strengthens agribusiness management capacity.
Business Support Includes:
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Budgeting and costing for water systems
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Financial planning for green technologies
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Supplier linkages for tanks, pipes, and irrigation tools
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Maintenance and sustainability strategies
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Documentation of case studies and best practices
By combining technical training with business support, the program helps youth build competitive and resilient enterprises.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Aged between 18 and 35 years
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Residing in Mutare or surrounding urban areas
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Operating a youth-led agribusiness
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Located in water-stressed regions
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Have a traceable physical space of operation
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Demonstrate proof of concept (existing business activity)
The program prioritizes youth entrepreneurs already running agribusinesses and seeking to scale sustainably.
How the Program Works
Step-by-Step Participation Process
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Application and eligibility screening
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Selection of qualified youth-led agribusinesses
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Enrollment in technical and business training modules
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Participation in hands-on demonstrations and pilot systems
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Technology adoption planning aligned with business goals
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Supplier connections and system installation guidance
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Ongoing mentorship and documentation of results
The structured approach ensures participants move from training to implementation.
Why This Initiative Matters
Urban agriculture in Zimbabwe faces:
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Water scarcity
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Rising climate variability
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High input costs
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Limited access to sustainable technologies
This initiative addresses these challenges by:
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Reducing water dependency
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Promoting efficient irrigation systems
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Lowering operational costs
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Increasing food security
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Strengthening youth employment and entrepreneurship
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Supporting climate resilience in urban food systems
It contributes to green economic development and sustainable urban livelihoods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants and participants should avoid:
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Applying without an existing agribusiness operation
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Failing to demonstrate proof of concept
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Underestimating water management costs
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Ignoring long-term maintenance requirements
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Selecting technologies that exceed their financial capacity
Choosing scalable and resource-appropriate systems is critical for long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who implements the Youth Green Transition Project Phase 2?
The project is implemented by Hivos in collaboration with the Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Organization and the Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust.
2. Who funds the program?
The initiative is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Zimbabwe.
3. What skills will participants gain?
Participants gain skills in hydroponics, aquaponics, organic farming, water harvesting, water-efficient irrigation, greywater reuse, and agribusiness management.
4. Is the program for start-ups?
Phase 2 focuses primarily on strengthening established youth-led agribusinesses rather than early-stage start-ups.
5. What age group is eligible?
Young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 years.
6. Do applicants need an existing business location?
Yes. Applicants must have a traceable physical space of operation and proof of concept.
7. What makes this program climate-smart?
It integrates water-efficient systems, recycling, conservation methods, and sustainable production strategies to build resilience against climate change.
Conclusion
The Youth Green Transition Project Phase 2 empowers urban youth in Mutare to build sustainable, climate-resilient agribusinesses through hands-on technical training and business development support. By integrating water-efficient technologies, climate-smart agriculture, and market-oriented strategies, the initiative strengthens youth entrepreneurship while addressing water scarcity and environmental sustainability.
For young agripreneurs seeking to scale responsibly and competitively in water-stressed urban environments, this program offers both practical tools and long-term strategic support.
For more information, visit Hivos People Unlimited.