The Agropolitan Project has provided a much needed platform for the lower income individuals and families to transform their lives through agriculture-related economic activities. (Photo Credit: Ecerde)
In Malaysia, rural poverty has been a significant challenge, particularly in Sarawak, where communities face limited access to resources, jobs, and education. The government has introduced several programs to combat this issue, and one of the most impactful initiatives is the Agropolitan Program. Designed to empower rural communities, this program focuses on sustainable development, career-building, and community empowerment by equipping individuals with essential skills and income-generating opportunities.
For rural youth and individuals eager to break the cycle of poverty and build a successful future, this program offers a lifeline—offering practical tools for career, and personal growth.
What is the Agropolitan Program?
The Agropolitan Program is part of Malaysia’s long-term poverty eradication strategy, focusing on rural development by boosting income through sustainable agricultural projects. For Sarawak, the program has played a critical role in addressing poverty by engaging communities in commercial farming, livestock rearing, and other agricultural industries.
Participants receive land, housing, and access to various forms of training—whether in crop management, livestock care, or business skills. This training not only allows them to increase their income but also provides a valuable career path within their community.
Career Growth and Practical Skills
One of the key benefits of the Agropolitan Program is the emphasis on skills development and entrepreneurship. Participants are trained in agricultural techniques that can provide lifelong careers. For example, young participants interested in agricultural sciences or rural business management can learn practical skills that will enhance their job prospects or even set them up for self-employment.
This is particularly important for youth, as the program opens up multiple career avenues in fields like sustainable agriculture, agro-business, and even eco-tourism. In many of these programs, participants are encouraged to think beyond just farming by exploring new business ventures. This could involve using farm products for higher-value goods or tapping into eco-tourism as a new income stream. These skill sets prepare participants not only for success within their community but also for opportunities in broader job markets.
How It Helps Participants Break the Poverty Cycle
Financial independence is another core goal of the program. Those involved in agropolitan projects are supported until they can achieve an income level of at least RM2,000 (USD 680) per month. This sustainable income allows families to access better education, healthcare, and housing—all critical aspects of breaking the poverty cycle.
The financial stability provided by these programs doesn’t just benefit the immediate participants. Their children, too, gain access to better educational opportunities, creating a pathway to academic success. For youth looking to further their studies, the stability offered by the Agropolitan Program can be the foundation they need to pursue higher education and better career prospects.
Open Avenues for Access
While the Agropolitan Program itself is prioritised to those registered under e-Kasih, other programs that could provide similar opportunities are accessible to broader communities in Sarawak. For instance, registration for assistance schemes under the Department of Agriculture Sarawak allows individuals to access financial assistance to expand their operations, register for official agriculture and distribution licenses, and apply for the Community Agriculture Development Program (CADP) that help them gain experience in the agricultural sector, even if they do not qualify for the Agropolitan Program itself.
Interested parties may also apply for the Agricultural Development Programme Assistance Scheme for Plantation Crop Division offered for free by Service Sarawak.
For individuals interested in joining the agriculture industry, there are several courses available locally. For instance, Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Bintulu Campus offers short-term online agriculture courses called Agri Clinic covering various subject areas every month. While the program primarily targets members of the Bintulu Area Farmers’ Association, it is open to the public.
Alternatively, interested parties may inquire with Sarawak Skills about their Sarawak Agriculture Vocational Training Institute (SAVTI) in Kabuloh, Miri for more avenues. Since 2023, it has earned a reputation as a highly sought-after institution for the oil palm industry in Sarawak with a graduate employability rate of 97 percent within six months of graduation.
Several educational institutes have similarly stepped up the plate in line with Sarawak’s goals of adopting smart farming solutions and acquiring food security. In line with these ambitions, Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) offers a variety of smart farming courses in specific agricultural areas like plantation and aquaculture. Likewise, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) offers a full Bachelor’s degree course in agrotechnology.
These aforementioned services and aids are excellent stepping stones for any Sarawakians who seek to build a career in agriculture or other related fields.
Building a Sustainable Future
By fostering community empowerment, teaching sustainable living practices, and promoting entrepreneurship, the Agropolitan Program helps rural communities develop long-term independence. Youth are at the forefront of this transformation, equipped with the skills to tackle modern challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and community leadership.
For students or those early in their careers, this program not only offers practical experience but also connects them with opportunities in industries that are critical for Malaysia’s future development.
Opportunity for All
The Agropolitan Program, along with other development initiatives like the schemes under the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, offers more than just a way out of poverty—it provides a path to success. For youth in particular, these programs deliver the skills and knowledge needed to build a brighter future, both academically and professionally. With the right tools and determination, participants can leverage these opportunities to create lasting, meaningful change in their lives and communities.
References
- Agropolitan Project: Role in Rural Development and Poverty Eradication
- SDG for Malaysian States: Population under Poverty Line
- Microfinance services and poverty reduction in Sarawak, Malaysia
- Conceptual Frameworks in Geography: Case Study Supplements Case Studies of the Third World (M Barke 1991)
- The Socioeconomic Impacts Of Agropolitan Project In The Rural Areas Of The East Coast Region Of Malaysia
- PROSPEK set to replace agropolitan programme
- PROSPEK programme approved for Betong with devt budget of RM9 mln
- KKDW Plans To Build Latex Collection Depot In Betong — Rubiah
- RM196 juta bagi realisasikan Projek Agropolitan KKDW: Rubiah
- Peranan Program Agropolitan Runchang Dalam Memperkasakan Kualiti Hidup Orang Asli
