PRESIDENT FELIX HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY OF THE IVORY COAST ON THURSDAY (JUNE 16) INAUGURATED A FARM TRAINING CENTRE AT YAMOUSSOKRO - HIS BIRTH PLACE - WHICH IS THE FIRST TEN TRAINING CENTRES, FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT FUND, TO INSTRUCT IVORY COAST YOUTHS IN MODERN FARMING METHODS.

DURING THE NEXT TWO YEARS, SEVENTY YOUTHS WILL LEARN FARMING FROM AGRICULTURAL SPECIALISTS AND AFTERWARDS RETURN TO THEIR VILLAGES TO WORK ON LAND CLEARED BY MOTORAGRI, A SPECIAL COMPANY STAFFED BY ISRAELIS.

AFTER A YEAR, EACH OF THE TRAINEES WILL BECOME THE OWNER OF ABOUT FIVE ACRES OF ARABLE LAND.