VULNERABLE YOUTH IN REMOTE MUFINDI VILLAGES MISS OUT ON LOANS DUE TO LACK OF NIDA IDs
A total of 120 vulnerable youths from villages in Mpanga TAZARA and Mapanda wards, Mufindi District, Iringa Region, participate in a psychosocial support and entrepreneurship training session in Igoda Village yesterday. The training is being conducted under the Youth Agency in Mufindi (YAM) project. Photo by Francis Godwin
By Berdina Majinge Matukio Daima , Mufindi
At least 120 vulnerable youths living in remote villages of Mpanga TAZARA and Mapanda wards in Mufindi District, Iringa Region, have cited the lack of National Identification Authority (NIDA) cards as one of the major obstacles preventing them from accessing local government loans and other economic opportunities.
The concerns were raised on Thursday in Igoda Village during the presentation of group assignments at an ongoing psychosocial support and entrepreneurship training programme organized by Foxes Community and Wildlife Conservation (FCWC) through the Youth Agency in Mufindi (YAM) project.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Mufindi District Council and supported by Deaconess Foundation, FCWC, and MFA.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Adelika Kahise from Mapanda Village said the absence of national identification cards has denied many youths access to council loans, making it difficult for them to secure capital and improve their livelihoods.
“My parents passed away while I was in Form One, forcing me to drop out of school. I had no place to live.
Others were abandoned at a young age, while some young women who became pregnant were rejected by both their families and the men responsible,” she said.
Kahise further noted that inadequate access to agricultural inputs remains a significant challenge for rural youth, limiting their ability to practice modern farming and increase productivity.
“Many young people in rural areas still rely on traditional farming methods because they cannot afford fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs. As a result, harvests are often very low and insufficient to support their families,” she explained.
She added that the lack of NIDA cards continues to exclude many youths from development opportunities, including access to loans and participation in various social and economic programmes.
Speaking at the event, YAM Project Consultant Dr. Heriel Mfangavo said the project aims to empower young people economically, socially, and psychologically, enabling them to take charge of their lives and effectively address the challenges they face.
He explained that the project has specifically targeted youths from the rural communities of Mapanda and Mpanga TAZARA, where many have been identified as lacking economic opportunities and social support.
“Many of these young people have lost their parents and were forced to leave their homes.
Others have been deprived of their inheritance, including land, while some dropped out of school following the death of their parents because relatives could not support their education.
Some completed their studies, while others survive through seasonal farming activities,” he said.
According to Dr. Mfangavo, these circumstances often expose young people to psychological distress, substance abuse, and other risky behaviours.
“In this first phase, we are focusing on strengthening their psychological well-being, self-confidence, and social resilience.
We want them to overcome past traumatic experiences that, if left unresolved, could negatively affect their future lives,” he added.
The second phase of the programme will focus on entrepreneurship, livelihood opportunities, and modern agricultural practices.
Participants will also receive training on identifying income-generating opportunities and accessing financial resources.
Addressing concerns over the lack of NIDA cards, Dr. Mfangavo assured participants that the issue would be addressed through collaboration with the Mufindi District authorities.
“The youths have raised concerns that the lack of NIDA identification prevents them from accessing council loans and other opportunities. This is an issue we are committed to addressing.
Since the project works closely with the Mufindi District Council, we will support them in obtaining NIDA cards so that they can qualify for council loans and other development opportunities,” he said.
