Youth in Agribusiness Uganda

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AGRI-PROFOCUS UGANDA
SITUATION ANALYSIS OF YOUTH IN AGRIBUSINESS IN
UGANDA
By Bugaari Ambrose & Zake
Joshua

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Table of contents
Acknowledgement .................................................................................................... vii
1.0 Background .........................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................1
1.2 Specific objectives of the study ..............................................................................4
1.3.Expected outputs of the study ................................................................................4
2.0 Methodology and approaches used in conducting the situational analysis .....................4
3.0 Results from the study……………………………………………………………………...............................6
3.1 Sample size characterization ..................................................................................6
3.2 Overview of existing youth definitions .....................................................................8
3.3. Categorization of youth into different groups with clear distinctive features.................9
4.0 Issues and challenges facing youth in agri-business……………………………….....................10
4.1 Why youth shun agri-business..............................................................................10
4.2 Youth perceptions of why they shun agri-business ..................................................10
4.3. Ranking of youth perceptions of why they shun agribusiness...................................12
4.4. Gender dimensions of youth perceptions of why they shun agriculture………………………………………….12
5.0 Strategies engaging youth in agricultural value chains at the national level................12
5.1 Key informant responses about what should be done to promote youth engagement in
agricultural value chains ...........................................................................................13
5.2. Broader strategic actions towards long-term engagements and benefits for youth in
agri-business...........................................................................................................15
5.3 Youth perceptions of sub-sectors which they are interested to engage in ...................15
5.4 Youth perceptions of segments along the value chain which they are interested to
engage in................................................................................................................16
6.0 Key International, Sub-regional and National levels initiatives for advancing youth
engagement in agribusiness ......................................................................................17
6.1 International level...............................................................................................17
6.2 Sub-region level .................................................................................................17
6.3 National level .....................................................................................................18
7.0 Key stakeholders engaging youth in agri-businesses in Uganda ................................20
7.1 An overview of national policies that have a direct influence on youth participation in
Agri-business...........................................................................................................21
7.2 Analysis of existing strengths, weaknesses, threats, and emerging opportunities for
youth engagement in agri-business in Uganda .............................................................25
8.0 Conclusions and recommendations………………………………………………………………………………….27
8.1 Conclusions........................................................................................................27
8.2 Recommendations ..............................................................................................27
Annex 1 – Example of some of the key stakeholder’s initiatives engaging youth in
agribusiness in Uganda. ............................................................................................31
Annex 2 – List of respondents (youth groups) involved in focus group discussions............40
Annex 3– List of key informants .................................................................................41
Annex 4– List of stakeholders involved in the consultative and validation meeting............42

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List of Figures
Figure 1. Youth interviewed based on gender (N=384). ..................................................6
Figure 2. Age bracket of the respondents (N=384). ........................................................7
Figure 3. Number of youth interviewed per region (N=384).............................................8
Figure 4. Categorization of youth according to age bracket (N=384).................................9
Figure 5. Ranking of reasons why youth are not engaged in agribusiness (N=384). .........12
Figure 6. Youth perceptions of sub-sectors which they are interested to engage in (=384).
..............................................................................................................................16
Figure 7. Youth perceptions of their interests along the agricultural value chains (N=384). 16
List of Tables
Table 1. Employment sector dynamics by age group and year – cohort analysis (%) ..........2
Table 2 .Youth employment by sector and background characteristics – cohort analysis (%)2
Table 3. Main activity of the youth in Agricultural households ..........................................3
Table 4. Involvement of youth in Agriculture………………………………………….............……………10
Table 5. Key programs/project strategies engaging youth in agricultural value chains at the
national level…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13
Table 6. Major stakeholders engaging youth in agri-business in Uganda…………………………….20
Table 7. Key national policies and programs with direct influence on youth engagement in
agri-business in Uganda……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…21

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Executive summary
Uganda’s population currently stands at about 36 million people (UBOS 2014) and growing
fast and is expected to double over the course of the next 20 years. The bulk of this
population however, is comprised of young people. Over 28 million Ugandans are aged
below 30 years and an estimated 8 million of these are aged between 18-30 years. Less
than 1 in 100 youth have been educated to degree level and a majority of them are either
jobless (1 of every 5) and about 6 in 10 are self-employed (UBOS 2014).
Therefore, the importance of improving the incomes of young people in Uganda’s agriculture
sector cannot be overstated.
The specific objectives for the situation analysis study were as follows:
(i) Provide an overview of existing youth definitions and categorization of youth into
different groups with clear distinctive features;
ii) Examine and describe the issues and challenges that the youth both male and female are
facing, specifically in relation to agri-business;
iii) Determine strategies at the national level through which youth both male and female are
engaging and potential agricultural sub-sectors and the specific levels in the agricultural
value chain that the youth could be potentially engaged in;
v) Identify the different stakeholders (including youth individuals, organizations,
associations and companies) that are engaging youth in agribusiness across Uganda;
vi) Provide an overview of national policies with direct influence on youth participation in
Agribusiness;
vii) Establish and analyze existing and emerging opportunities and motivations for youth
both male and female participation in Agribusiness;
viii) Compare and contrast with international perspectives on youth in Agribusiness.
The situation analysis study was conducted using several methodologies and approaches
which included the following: Inception meeting with Agri-ProFocus-Uganda Coordination
Team; Literature review; Preparation and administration of study tools (semi-structured
questionnaires , key informant check lists and Focus group discussions); Data entry,
analysis and synthesis; Report writing and presentation during a stakeholders consultative
and validation workshop. Overall the study involved 384 respondents and 20 key informants
randomly and purposively selected respectively.
In light of the study objectives, the following are the key results:
An overview of existing youth definitions and categorization of youth
Youth can be defined from two viewpoints: the age based and sociological. Taking into
consideration the age based viewpoint, The National Youth Policy (2001) defines youth, ‘as
all young persons; female and male aged 12 to 30 years.’
There are other definitions by the International Labor Organization, African Youth Charter
(2006), the World Bank and the United Nations, the Commonwealth and Danish Youth
Council. Likewise, all these define youth based on age categorization.
The majority of respondents (65%) indicated that the minimum age at which people started
to be described as youth was 18 and the maximum age at which people stopped being
described as youth was 35.Eighteen (18%) of the respondents indicated that the minimum
age at which people started to be described as youth was 18 and the maximum age at
which people stopped being described as youth was 30 years.

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Whereas there are sub-regional, regional and international policies supporting youth
development, they do not strongly focus on promoting and supporting youth engagement in
agri-business. Additionally, these policies have not yet been effectively translated into
national policies, programs and actions for implementation at the local and community
levels to further benefit youth engagements in agri-business.
Key national level strategies engaging youth in agricultural value chains
There exist some national level programs and strategies engaging youth in agricultural
value chains (Table 5). Subsequently, there are several stakeholders engaging youth in the
implementation of these programs and strategies. The stakeholders are categorized as
enabling ministries and departments; local government youth based non-governmental
organizations, non-governmental organizations, international non-governmental
organizations, cultural institutions, religious institutions, media and private sector (Table 6).
However, the existing programs and strategies do not consciously/entirely focus on youth
per se. The stakeholders involved in the implementations of these programs and strategies
should change their roles towards advancing youth engagement in agri-business. In
addition, there is a dearth of information in respect to the number of youth benefiting from
these programs and their impact on the participating youth livelihood.
Thus, the key existing supportive national policies with direct influence on youth
engagement in agri-business (Table 7) still have some gaps, which must be addressed for
achievement of this goal.
Key issues and challenges faced by youth in agri-business in Uganda
Respondents and key informants indicated that the youth shun agribusiness due to the
following reasons which are generally similar to those earlier raised by Action Alert (2013);
Agasha (2014); and Oluwaseum (2014):
• Farming takes longer time to get results;
• Lack skills and knowledge on modern farming practices ;
• Risky business;
• Negative image (perception) of agriculture;
• Negative attitudes of youth towards agriculture;
• Lack of role models;
• Laziness;
• Education and societal expectations;
• Little encouragement from parents;
• Government low investment in agriculture;
• Limited access to capital;
• Wrong perception that agri-business is not profitable.
However, despite the perception that youth are not interested in agriculture (Action Alert
2013; Agasha 2014; and Oluwaseum 2014), many youth interviewed from the rural areas in
some districts such as Bulisa and Luwero indicated that they were interested and involved in
agriculture (albeit ) on a small scale and on part-time basis (only busy during the rainy
season).
Furthermore, there exist key emerging opportunities for youth engagement in agri-business
in Uganda. These must be harnessed and consolidated and include the following:
• Existing policy environment and framework for youth engagement in agri-business at
international, sub-regional and national levels;

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• Agriculture is recognized by the government of Uganda as a source of growth,
employment and poverty eradication (National Development Plan 2010-1015,
Uganda Vision 2040);
• Additionally the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development
underscores government willingness to undertake investments that will make
agriculture more attractive and profitable. For example government allocated UGX 25
billion under the Youth Venture Capital Fund and part of this money will be used by
the youth to undertake agriculture related enterprises;
• The energy and enthusiasm of youth when applied appropriately would advance
productivity of agri-businesses;
• Agribusiness provides gainful employment for livelihood for youth;
• Availability of information about both traditional and modern farming practices and
methods;
• Existence of several Non-governmental organization providing agricultural extension
and support services (such as skills, inputs, market linkages and market
information);
• Development partners are willing to promote initiatives which support youth
engagement in agri-business through implementation of youth development and
livelihood programs;
• Uganda is urbanizing and will continue to do so and therefore, this presents an
opportunity (market) for the youth in farming to sell their produce (food);
• Existing institutions for training youth in agri-business.
We conclude that productive involvement of youth in agri-business in Uganda is a great
opportunity and spring board for increased and sustainable productivity, wealth creation,
employment and economic development considering an agricultural sector which is suffering
from an aging generation of farmers. There are various opportunities which youth should
tap into as motivation for engaging in agri-business. Despite the existence of various
supportive policies, programs and initiatives at the local, national and international levels
which promote youth participation in agri-business, there are several challenges for youth
engagement in agri-business. These must be addressed going forward through active
involvement of key stakeholders each effectively implementing their roles to advance youth
participation in agri-business.
A future study should focus on generation of information and data about the impact of
implementation of several policies and programs on youth livelihood and the number of
youth involved and benefiting from these initiatives. This information will be used as a basis
for future decision making to advance youth engagement in agri-business at different scales
(local, national, sub-regional and international).

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Acknowledgement
The situation analysis study for youth engagement in agribusiness in Uganda was informed
by inputs from several individuals and organizations engaged through interviews,
consultative and validation meetings. They have been enlisted in annex 2, 3 and 4 and their
contributions and time is very much appreciated.
Agri-ProFocus-Uganda is greatly thanked for the coordination and providing financial
resources which facilitated the conducting of the study.

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1.0 Background
1.1 Introduction
Uganda’s population currently stands at about 36 million people (UBOS 2014) and growing
fast and is expected to double over the course of the next 20 years. The bulk of this
population however, is comprised of young people. Over 28 million Ugandans are aged
below 30 years and an estimated 8 million of these are aged between 18-30 years. Less
than 1 in 100 youth have been educated to degree level and a majority of them are either
jobless (1 of every 5) and about 6 in 10 are self-employed (UBOS 2014). Therefore, the
importance of improving the incomes of young people in Uganda’s agriculture sector cannot
be overstated.
Creating economic opportunities for young people in Uganda, has become a pressing issue ,
with the government, policymakers, development agencies and funders all seeking
effective and sustainable solutions. The International Labor Organization estimates that
from 2000 to 2007, Africa’s working-age population grew by 96 million, while the number of
jobs grew by only 63 million and fewer than 16 million of these jobs were for young people
between the ages of 15 and 24 (Africa Economic Outlook 2012). In Uganda, 80% of the
nation’s unemployed are youth (International Youth Foundation 2011). Therefore, there is
an urgent need for generation of economic opportunities that will address the demands of
Uganda’s rapidly growing youth population. Uganda has a high concentration of young
people, between the ages of 15 and 24 representing 20% of the population (World Bank
2012) and a significant proportion of these young people have been unable to access the
kinds of economic opportunities that lead to a sustainable livelihood.
According to Ahaibwe et al. (2013), in Uganda, the agriculture sector employs large
numbers of young people i.e. about 73% in 2005/6 (Table 1). Wereas the sector still
remains a source of livelihood for majority of youth, by 2009/10 the proportion of youth
employed in agriculture reduced to 64%. A similar trend is observed by other African
Countries based on reports by FAC, (2010). Furthermore, for Uganda the share of youth
joining the services sector increased from 19.5% in 2005/6 to 27% in 2009/10 (Table 1).
The same report by Ahaibwe et al. (2013) revealed that by 2009/10 a large proportion
(74%) or rural youth were involved in agriculture compared to 13% in urban areas (Table
2). Thus, in the urban areas, youth were most engaged in the services sector (71%).
Furthermore, the rate at which rural youth are leaving agriculture is higher than that for the
urban youth (Table 2). The report also confirmed that the more educated youth are less
involved in agriculture. Hence in 2005/6, 73% of the youth with secondary and post-
secondary education were involved in agriculture. However, by 2009/10, 33% of these
youth moved to services as the main sector of employment leaving 40% in the agricultural
sector (Table 2).

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Table 1. Employment sector dynamics by age group and year – cohort analysis
(%)
Source: Calculations by Ahaibwe et al. (2013) based on Uganda National Household Survey,
2005/6 and Uganda National Panel Survey 2009/10 individual data.
Table 2.Youth employment by sector and background characteristics – cohort
analysis (%)
Table 3 depicts that in agricultural households, 75% of youth are engaged in crop
production as the main activity. Thus, nearly two-thirds of youth are still employed in the
agricultural sector and a higher proportion of these are engaged in the production segment
of the agricultural value chain (Ahaibwe et al. 2013). The main activities which youth are
involved in at the household level (Table 3) (Ahaibwe et al. 2013), were similar to those
reported by IYF (2011).

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Table 3. Main activity of the youth in Agricultural households (%)
This trend of youth engagement (both males and females) in agribusiness could be
explained by the current challenges affecting the sector based on reports by MasterCard
Foundation (2014) and Actionaid (2012).These challenges include:
 Traditional agriculture not being attractive to youth;
 Highly fragmented markets of small-holder farms;
 Low productivity and value;
 Underdeveloped value chains (e.g. processing, storage and marketing);
 Limited access to appropriate and affordable finance and financial services;
 Difficulties in accessing and securing productive land;
 Lack of production inputs;
 Shortage of labor due to rural-urban migration;
 Low prices for agricultural produce; and
 Climate change;
 Negative attitude toward agriculture.
Increased engagement of youth in agri-business1
presents several opportunities through
providing employment for youth for better livelihood and also replacement of aging farmers
for sustainable productivity of the agriculture sector for increased national growth and
development.
1 Agri-business refers to agriculture conducted strictly on commercial principles. According to Santacoloma et al.
(2005), agri-business is defined as business expansion in the agriculture and rural sector and its chains, from
relationships involving contracting structures, alliances and associations mainly carried out by the private sector, by
producers of the agriculture sector that are sustainable in the long term. In addition to a joint association of farmers, it
involves various exogenous agents and agro-industrial chains, and may or may not include the support of public
policies

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Despite this, there are limited studies with information about youth engagement in agri-
business (Ahaibwe et al. (2013). To further understand youth engagement in agri-business
in Uganda, this study sought to answer the following questions:
 What are the existing youth definitions and categories?
 What are the issues and challenges that the youth both male and female are facing,
specifically in relation to agri-business?
 What strategies are engaging youth at the national level and what potential
agricultural value chains could youth be engaged in?
 Who are the different stakeholders engaging youth across Uganda?
 Which national policies have direct influence on youth participation in agri-business?
 What are the existing and emerging opportunities and motivations for youth
participation in agri-business?
1.2 Specific objectives of the study
The specific objectives for the study were as follows:
i. Provide an overview of existing youth definitions and categorization of youth into
different groups with clear distinctive features;
ii. Examine and describe the issues and challenges that the youth both male and
female are facing, specifically in relation to agri-business;
iii. Determine strategies at the national level through which youth both male and female
are engaging and potential agricultural sub-sectors and the specific levels in the
agricultural value chain that the youth could be potentially engaged in;
iv. Identify the different stakeholders (including youth individuals, organizations,
associations and companies) that are engaging youth in agribusiness across Uganda;
v. Provide an overview of national policies that have a direct influence on youth
participation in Agri-business;
vi. Establish and analyze existing and emerging opportunities and motivations for youth
both male and female participation in Agri-business;
vii. Compare and contrast with international perspectives on youth in Agri-business.
1.3.Expected outputs of the study
This study sought to establish what is happening mainly at national level related to youth in
agri-business. However, inference and comparisons were made with the sub-regional and
international levels with respect to youth in agribusiness. The results of the situation
analysis will form the basis for the Innovation community on youth in agribusiness to
determine their areas of intervention that might have a significant influence on motivating
youth into agribusiness.
This study is expected to enable the various actors to have a clearer understanding of what
is happening with respect to youth in agribusiness across Uganda as well as the internal and
external factors that affect youth participation. As a result, various partners and
stakeholders would have a better chance of developing appropriate goals and objectives and
designing activities which would advance further engagement of youth in agri-business in
Uganda.
2.0 Methodology and approaches used in conducting the situational analysis
The situation analysis study was conducted using several methodologies and approaches
described as follows:
(i) Inception meeting with Agri-ProFocus-Uganda Coordination Team.The consultants held a
consultative meeting with the coordination team of Agri-ProFocus Uganda to further

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deliberate on the scope of work. The meeting provided an opportunity for further
clarifications about the assignment, particularly the scope and expectations. The meeting
also helped the parties involved to establish rapport for effective communication and
interaction and to obtain documents to be reviewed.
(ii) Literature review. Available relevant reports and documents were reviewed to establish
the status of youth engagement in agribusiness based on existing initiatives promoting this
at the international, sub-region, national and local levels. A list of documents reviewed is
highlighted in the reference section;
(iii) Preparation of tools and materials. Semi-structured questionnaires, focus group
discussion and key informant checklists were developed and used for generation of data
based on the study objectives outlined in section 1.3. These tools were pre-tested among at
least 5 respondents before being administered;
(iv) Sampling methods and sample size
Sampling methods used
Stratified sampling was applied to select youth to be interviewed based on region/districts,
gender and age. This is because each region has different history, culture and context in
terms of challenges and opportunities. The respondents involved in the study were selected
purposively based on key considerations that they are youth engaged in agri-business
activities. Furthermore, the key informants were selected purposively with consideration
that they appeared to be more knowledgeable about youth engagements in agribusiness.
Each focus group discussion involved at least 15 respondents and in total 20 focus group
discussions were conducted. The purpose of the focus group discussions was to build
consensus and validation of data obtained from key issues from the semi-structured
interviews. Furthermore, discussions were conducted involving 20 key informants to
generate more detailed information.
Sample size determination
The sample size was determined using the the formula for estimating the sample size and a
table for determining the sample size based on confidence level needed from a given
population as provided by Krejcie and Morgan (1970). Using youth population statistics of
6.5 million youth under the age bracket of 18-30 (UBOS 2010), the equation generated 384
as the sample size for the study.
(v) Administration of the tools. The key informant interviews and focus group discussions
were administered in all regions of Uganda to get a better representation of youth in the
whole country. Respondents were sampled from urban, rural, and peri-urban areas of
Uganda.
(vi) Data analysis, content analysis and synthesis. Data obtained from literature review,
focus group discussions and key informant interviews was synthesized through content
analysis. The data collected using semi-structured questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS
16 to generate percentages for various variables;
(vii) All the information and data gathered were compiled into a zero draft report which was
presented to Agriprofocus coordination team for review. The comments received were
addressed and an advanced draft report produced and presented in a stakeholder’s meeting
for further consultation and validation;
(viii) Documentation and reporting. This involved compilation of the analyzed data and
feedback from the validation workshop into a final report which was submitted to Agri-
ProFucus Uganda.

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3.0 Results from the study
3.1 Sample size characterization
Sex of the respondents
Majority of the respondents interviewed (66%) were males and 34% were females. They
all belonged to youth/farmers associations (Figure 1).
34%
66%
Male
Femele
Figure 1. Youth interviewed based on gender (N=384).
Age bracket of the respondents
Majority of the respondents (35%) were in the age bracket of 28-34, 33% of the
respondents were in the age bracket of 23-37, twenty percent (20%) of the respondents
were in the age bracket of 18-22 years and lastly 12% were in the age bracket of 35 and
above (Figure 2).

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0 10 20 30 40
18 and below
18-22
23-27
28-34
35 and above
Percentage
Figure 2. Age bracket of the respondents (N=384).
Youth interviewed per region
As highlighted in Figure 3: 40 (i.e. 26 males and 14 females) of the respondents were from
Zombo district (West Nile); 40 (i.e. 30 males and 10 females) from Amolatar district
(Northern Uganda ); 40 (i.e. 28 males and 12 females) from Luwero district and 28 (i.e. 18
males and 10 females) from Kampala district (Central Uganda); 40 (i.e. 29 males and 11
females) from Bulisa and 36 (i.e. 21 males and 15 females) from Masindi (Western
Uganda); and 40 (i.e. 15 males and 25 females) from Soroti district, 40 (i.e. 20 males and
20 females) from Kaberamaido district, 40 (i.e. 22 males and 18 females) from Kibuku
district and 40 (i.e. 33 males and 7 females) from Katakwi district (Eastern Uganda). Sixty
68 respondents were from the urban areas.

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Figure 3. Number of youth interviewed per region (N=384).
3.2 Overview of existing youth definitions
Youth can be defined from two viewpoints: the age based and sociological. Taking into
consideration the age based viewpoint, The National Youth Policy (2001) defines youth, ‘as
all young persons; female and male aged 12 to 30 years.
The African Youth Charter (2006) defines youth as, ‘every person between the ages of 15
and 35 years.’ The World Bank and the UN define, ‘youth as those falling in the age bracket
of 15-25 and 15-24,’ respectively while the Commonwealth defines youth by age as those
between the ages of 15-29. On the other hand the Danish Youth Council looks at youth as
the category between the ages of 15-34 (Larok et al. 2010).
The International Labor Organization defines the youth as the 15 to 24 age group (ILO
2006). Likewise, the United Nations (1985), for statistical purposes, defines youth as those
persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years.
All the above definitions are based on age and the notable difference between the
definitions is the age bracket considered for youth. Information gained through interviews
with key informants indicated that the age bracket of 15-35 years is a productive age during
which most youth are very energetic and if equipped with the desired requisite knowledge
and skills they would make tremendous contribution to agri-business in Uganda and yet
obtain worthwhile benefits from the same. From the foregoing, it is clear that there is no
consensus on the age bracket for the youth and this could present challenge in as far as
development of programs targeting the youth are concerned.

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From the sociological viewpoint, the youth is defined as the transition stage from childhood
to adulthood (neither childhood nor adulthood but rather somewhere in between), in which
case the age at which this transition begins will vary greatly between societies and indeed
within the same society.
3.3. Categorization of youth into different groups with clear distinctive features
According to the findings, the major distinguishing feature for the youth was age. Data
generated through interviews with the youth and key informants indicated that there is no
agreement on the years at which the youth age begins and ends. The minimum age at
which respondents thought people started to be described as youth was 12 and the
maximum age at which people stopped being described as youth was 35. Figure 4 gives the
different youth age categories from the perspective of the youth interviewed for this study.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
15-25 years
12-25 years
18-30 years
12-35 years
18-35 years
Percentage
Figure 4. Categorization of youth according to age bracket (N=384).
The majority of respondents (65%) indicated that the minimum age at which people started
to be described as youth was 18 and the maximum age at which people stopped being
described as youth was 35.Eighteen (18%) of the respondents indicated that the minimum
age at which people started to be described as youth was 18 and the maximum age at
which people stopped being described as youth was 30 years. This is in agreement with the
youth definition by the National Youth Policy, (2001).
However, the youth were also categorized based on level of education where it was
indicated that majority of students from form 4 to university (first degree) are youth,
marital status (majority of those not yet married are youth) and amount of physical energy
possessed (youth are quite active with boundless energy as opposed to adults).

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4.0 Issues and challenges facing youth in agri-business
4.1 Why youth shun agri-business
Based on reports by Oluwaseum (2014), Action Alert (2013) and Agasha (2014)2
, the major
reasons why youth in Uganda shun agri-business are as follows:
• Ignorance and poor attitude about agribusiness by the youth;
• Agriculture being a high risk venture considering the current climate variability
impacts;
• Complete lack of or limited access to resources (such as land, credit facilities,
knowledge and skills) for investments in agribusiness;
• Limited access by the youth to supportive mechanisms (such as training/mentoring
and information about markets) which advance agricultural productivity;
• Weak investment in agriculture particularly value addition through agro-processing in
which many youth would get employed;
• Availability of few individuals who are successfully running agricultural enterprises
and business (such as St. Jude Family Projects, Katende Harambe, Shatwa Mixed
Farm, Farming Consult Uganda) and who are willing to mentor youth to follow in
their footsteps;
• The long-term nature for returns on investment from agricultural enterprises and yet
most youth prefer quick returns. Thus, most youth take up other careers associated
with quick returns such as transport (operating taxis and boda-boda riding).
4.2 Youth perceptions of why they shun agri-business
Despite the perception that youth are not interested in agriculture (Action Alert 2013;
Agasha 2014; and Oluwaseum 2014), many youth interviewed from the rural areas in some
districts such as Bulisa and Luwero indicated that they were interested and involved in
agriculture (albeit ) on a small scale and on part-time basis (only busy during the rainy
season). This is in agreement with reports by the International Youth Foundation (2011)
Action Aid Uganda (2012) and Ahaibwe et al. (2013). According to Action Aid Uganda,
Development Research and Training and Uganda National Non-Governmental Organizations
Forum (2012) and as presented in Table 4 about 79% of youth in rural areas were involved
in agribusiness.
Table 4 Involvement of youth in Agriculture
Agriculture kind
Involvement
in Agriculture
Crop Growing Animal
Grazing
Fishin
g
Other
s
Total
% % % %
Yes 69.4 6.0 2.3 1.6 79.3
Source: Action Aid Uganda, Development Research and Training and Uganda
National Non-Governmental Organizations Forum (2012).
However, it is the majority of youth in urban centers in the study areas that are not
engaged in farming. This is because they have other livelihood options such as petty
trading, operating commercial cycles for transport, casual labor. Respondents and key
informants indicated that the youth shun agribusiness due to the following reasons which
are generally similar to those earlier raised by Action Alert (2013); Agasha (2014); and
Oluwaseum (2014):
2
Agasha posed a question on Agriprofucus website on why youth are not engaged in farming and different people provided
different answers.

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• Farming takes longer time to get results. Youth are dynamic and sometimes
impatient and want to make and spend their money quickly yet some agricultural
enterprises take long for one to realize benefits and recoup the money back;
• Lack skills and knowledge. The extension system in Uganda has nearly collapsed and
to make matters worse the private service providers lack practical skills and often
provide theoretical and inapplicable information and knowledge. As a result, the
youth have continued practicing traditional methods of farming;
• Risky business. Farming/agribusiness is looked at as risky business due to
unpredictable weather patterns (climate change) and fluctuating prices;
• Negative image (perception) of agriculture. In the minds of the youth, a farmer is
someone like their parents, doing dirt and labor intensive work using rudimentary
tools (basic equipment) and methods and getting little to show for it. Therefore, the
image of poor farmer with torn clothes puts off many young people and makes them
have second thoughts about farming and agribusiness ;
• Negative attitudes of youth towards agriculture. Agriculture does not appeal to the
youth and see it as dirty (prefer being smart) and especially educated girls and in
urban areas cannot imagine themselves touching soil with their beautiful and long
nails. They even feel that gloves and gumboots will make their nails dirty and
destroy them ;
• Existence of few youthful role model farmers. There is a limited number of youth who
have made it through agribusiness .This does not inspire other youth to join
agribusiness ;
• Laziness. Some youth are lazy yet agriculture is labor intensive (back breaking hand
–hoe tilling). They are used to free things and do not have many responsibilities;
• Education and societal expectations. The education system for Uganda brings out
products that are inclined towards formal employment and youth view formal jobs in
the formal wage sector as the best alternative. Some practical courses such as
agriculture and entrepreneurship are offered at secondary level. Although, these
courses are meant to impart practical skills, they often emphasize theory over
practice. This has been worsened by societal expectations where one is expected to
complete school find a well-paying job and generally lead good life;
• Little encouragement from parents. Parents always advise their children to go to
school study hard, get good grades and get a good job. Very few if any rich parents
advise the youth to consider agriculture as an alternative career;
• Government low investment in agriculture. Government continues to invest little in
agriculture. All African government under the Maputo Declaration committed
themselves to invest at least 10 % of their total annual budgets into agriculture but
the government of Uganda is yet to make this a reality;
• Limited access to capital. The youth have limited chances of access to credit because
financial institutions require collateral especially land which the youth do not own ;
• Youth perception that agriculture in not profitable. Youth perceive agriculture not be
profitable and unable to support their desired lifestyles compared to white collar
jobs. They think agriculture would not afford them to enjoy the pleasures of owning
a beautiful home, fast cars, the latest gadgets and mobile phones like what their
colleagues in white collar jobs have access to.
A ranking of the above youth perceptions of why they shun agribusiness was done and
percentages calculated and the findings are presented in Figure 5. These issues should be
addressed so that more youth are motivated and supported to engage in agri-business. This
would result in greater benefits inform of improved youth livelihood and national
development.

12
4.3. Ranking of youth perceptions of why they shun agribusiness
Majority (26%) of the respondents indicated that the youth were not involved in agriculture
because agriculture takes long to get results, 25% indicated that youth were not involved in
agriculture due to limited access to capital and 10% indicated that youth were not involved
in agriculture because of the negative image portrayed by farmers (Figure 5).
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Farming takes longer to get results
Inadequate skills & knowledge in agri-business
Risky business
Negative image portrayed by farmers
Negative attitude by youth towards agriculture
Lack of role models in agriculture
Education and society expectations
Little encoragement of youth by parents to engage in agri-
business
Limited access to capital
Youth consider agriculture unprofitable
Shortage of arable land
Others
Percentage
Figure 5. Ranking of reasons why youth are not engaged in agribusiness +
(N=384).
4.4. Gender dimension of youth perceptions of why they shun agriculture
These perceptions cut across male and female youth. However, the female youth are more
affected by scarcity of arable land because of cultural norms and gender stereotypes. This is
in agreement with earlier reports by Nanna (2009). Additionally, female youth have other
competing demands (household chores) such as fetching water and firewood and cooking of
meals and thus have little time left to devote to agribusiness.
5.0 Strategies engaging youth in agricultural value chains at the national level
In Table 5, the key programs and or projects and associated strategies engaging youth in
agricultural value chains at the national level are presented. Whereas several youth have
engaged in and benefited from these initiatives, it is difficult to establish the impact of these
initiatives on youth livelihood and the actual number of youth who have benefited. This is
because each program and or project uses their own monitoring and evaluation framework
and secondly there are no studies conducted particularly focusing on impacts of these
initiatives on youth livelihood with synthesized information about the actual number of
youth who have engaged and benefited.

13
Table 5. Key programs/project strategies engaging youth in agricultural value
chains at the national level.
Key Program/projects/mentoring Organization Key activities engaging youth in agricultural
value chains
National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADs)
Program implemented country-wide in all 112
districts of Uganda. Initial implementation of the
program was in 2001. The program aims at
increasing incomes through increased adaption of
profitable agricultural enterprises and improved
technology practices, agricultural productivity and
marketed output. The institutional structure for
the program is currently being re-structured by
Government for better service delivery.
-Training about modern agricultural
production techniques and practices;
-Promoting farmers access to agricultural
inputs;
-Facilitating farmer’s access to market
information.
Northern Uganda Social Action Fund Project
(NUSAF) II designed to fund small-scale rural
sub-projects in over 40 districts in Northern
Uganda. It has been implemented since 2009 and
will be completed by 2015.
-Supporting community-driven initiatives
that improve the accessibility to and the
delivery of small-scale socio-economic
services and enhancing the capacity of
communities and other stakeholders
involved in the process.
Peace, Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP
2007) for Northern Uganda implemented in 2007-
2010. It aimed at stabilization for regaining and
consolidation of peace and lay foundations for
recovery and development in Northern Uganda.
-Enhancement of knowledge and skills for
agricultural production and marketing
through training farmers;
Supported access to agricultural inputs to
boost productivity
Several projects by Youth based Non-
governmental organizations and Non-
governmental organizations working on
sustainable agriculture and food security
implemented at national level and country-wide.
-Training about modern agricultural
production techniques and practices;
-Promoting farmers access to agricultural
inputs;
-Policy, lobbying and advocacy campaigns
on food security and food rights;
-Mentoring youth in management of
agricultural value chains.
Youth Livelihood Program/Fund targeted for
implementation country-wide in 112 districts for a
period of 5 years since 2013.
-Provides financial resources (loans) for
supporting youth to invest in income
generating activities for their employment
and livelihood improvement.
5.1 Key informant responses about what should be done to promote youth
engagement in agricultural value chains
The respondents and key informants interacted with during the focus group discussions and
interactive interviews respectively, cited possible actions which can be implemented to
promote youth participation in agri-business. These were synthesized into 5 major
categories presented as follows:
a) Information and knowledge management
• Providing the youth with more information on farming/agribusiness and associated
policies and programs;
• Supporting the youth to apply this information in their agri-businesses;

14
• Facilitate youth participation in networking activities for further information exchange
and learning among peers;
• Demonstrating to the youth that even agriculture can present opportunities for a
better livelihood in the future;
• Encourage partnerships with the private sector for technical advice and market
linkages.
b) Access to agricultural inputs (such as improved seeds, fertilizers, livestock
breeds) by youth farmers
• Facilitate youth access to improved technologies and practices;
• Extending affordable and youth friendly financial services. Small scale farmers do not
like to go to formal banks for credit;
• Provision of farming implements like tractors and setting aside land for youth
activities.
c) Training and capacity building
• Training programs for the youth before they start agriculture as a businesses;
• Organizing exposure learning visits as part of the training for the youth especially
those who have demonstrated interest and success as a motivation for youth
engagement in agribusiness;
• Regular technical backstopping and farm visits for participating youth;
• Using role models who have successful agri-businesses to share their experiences to
the youth about how they have made it. These could be fellow youth so that they
can easily inspire other youth;
• Organizing Agri-business awards for proven and successful youth farmers at different
levels.
d) Research and development
• Conducting regular agriculture labor market surveys to determine the available
jobs in agriculture;
• Determining the proportion of youth actively participating and benefiting from
agribusiness activities implemented at several levels in the country;
• Conducting impact assessment of the implementation of several policies, programs
and projects on youth livelihoods and well-being.
e) Supporting more investment in agro-processing and agro-industries
• Increased focus on value addition and agro-processing by the Government, Non-
governmental organizations, Private sector with financial and technical assistance
from Development partners;
• Supporting investments in smart agriculture such as agri-tourism established side-
by-side the agricultural enterprises and other eco-logical tourists attractions;
• Establishment of rural based cottage industries(incubation centers ) with basic
infrastructure( shared facilities) ;
• Guarantee market for the produce for the youth through contract farming.
f) Deepening agricultural insurance against risks in agricultural investments
• Promoting access to agriculture insurance schemes by youth farmers for cover
against climate variability induced disasters and risks;
• More awareness of youth farmers about risks in agri-business and the importance of
insurance covers.
h) Making agriculture cool to advance youth engagement in agri-business
• Use more targeted TV and radio programs encouraging youth agri-business;

15
• Organizing the agro-forums between stakeholders and the youth for information
dissemination and exchange;
• Development and implementation of information, communication and technology
applications and social media platform for information/knowledge dissemination
targeting youth in agri-business;
• Enhancing and promoting agro-tourism enterprises by linking agriculture & tourism;
• Getting celebrities as agriculture ambassadors;
• Organizing school farm camps/school gardens visits ;
• Organizing club theme nights for the farmers;
• Establishing Shamba shape up shows in Uganda i.e. a way of demonstrating to youth
farmers on how to improve their activities.
5.2. Broader strategic actions towards long-term engagements and benefits for
youth in agri-business
However, effective implementation of the above suggested actions by the youth
respondents and key informants requires broader strategic actions targeting long-term
engagements to deliver benefits to youth in agri-business. They include the following:
a) Targeted awareness for key stakeholders aiming at changing their mindset for
supporting youth agri-business;
b) Productive youth engagement in agri-business through facilitating youth platforms at
international, sub-regional, national and local levels;
c) Supporting youth for gainful participation in planning, policy formulation and
implementation at the national and local levels;
d) Lobbying and advocacy to advance engagement of youth in agri-business value
chains in the implementation of several agricultural development programs at
different levels;
e) Targeted capacity building for agri-business skills enhancement of different youth
categories and gender based on their interest and preferences.
5.3 Youth perceptions of sub-sectors which they are interested to engage in
As indicated in Figure 6, majority of the youth (41%) are interested in sub-sectors that are
of shorter nature and bring in returns quickly. Examples cited included horticultural crops
such as vegetables, tomatoes and onions. Thirty four (34%) of the youth interviewed
indicated that they were interested in subsectors that have ready market. Examples
highlighted included: Maize, Groundnuts, Goats and Piggery. Twelve percent (12%)
indicated that they were interested in subsectors that bring in daily income. Example given
included poultry and dairy. Seven percent (7%) of the youth interviewed indicated that they
were interested in sub-sectors that are not labor intensive. Examples included: agro-tourism
and beekeeping. Lastly, 5% of the youth interviewed indicated that they were interested in
sub-sectors that ensure food security and examples included cassava. Males were more
interested in sub-sectors of short-term nature and high value whereas females were more
interested in subsectors that improve food security and are low labor intensive.
However, after thorough probing, the findings indicated that the youth that singled out sub-
sectors that ensure food security were either married or were family heads (had no parents
and yet had dependents). These findings are in agreement with Actionaid (2012) report
findings indicating that youth in Kampala involved in agriculture have taken up short-term
ventures like horticulture, crop, poultry, piggery and livestock farming as well as trading.

16
Figure 6. Youth perceptions of sub-sectors which they are interested to engage in
(=384).
5.4 .Youth perceptions of segments along the value chain which they are
interested to engage in
Currently the youth who are into agri-business are mainly engaged in production (IYF
2011). However, when asked the question of which segment of the value chain they would
be mostly interested in, they indicated: marketing, primary production, processing/value
addition and inputs supply in that order. However, there are other value chain segments
such as transportation of agricultural and storage of produce through warehousing, offering
professional services and skills which the respondents never identified as being interested in
but yet they could potentially get engaged in.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Valua addition & processing
Marketing
Input supply
Primary production
Percentage
Figure 7. Youth perceptions of their interests along the agricultural value chains
(N=384).

17
6.0 Key International, Sub-regional and National levels initiatives for advancing
youth engagement in agribusiness
6.1 International level
The World Program of Action for Youth (WPAY)
According to United Nation (2000), this program of action was adopted by the General
Assembly of the United Nations in 1995. It provides a policy framework and practical
guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young
people around the world and a blueprint for youth policies. This program provides forums at
the international levels for engagement on several issues affecting youth from different
parts of the world including the high rate of unemployment, which can be addressed
through youth engagement in agri-business among others.
Youth and the United Nations Global Alliance
The secretariat of this initiative is hosted at the Food and Agriculture Organization. It aims
at facilitating the collaboration between UN agencies and other organizations working with
children and young people (such as schools, youth and civil society groups, NGOs and
government institutions). The objective is to create a gateway to facilitate the engagement
of young people in activities of key environmental and social concern at the local and
international level. It can be targeted as an entry point for advancing advocacy for youth
engagement in agribusiness.
6.2 Sub-region level
Africa Youth Charter (AYC) 2006
This is a political and legal document which provides a strategic framework for youth
empowerment at the African continental, regional and national levels for member states. It
came into force in 2006 during the 7th
ordinary session of the African Union Head of States
and Governments meeting in Banjul, Gambia. Overall, the charter aims at strengthening,
reinforcing and consolidating the efforts for empowering young people through meaningful
youth participation and equal partnership in driving Africa’s development agenda. Uganda
ratified the charter in 2008.
Youth Decade Plan of Action (2009)
This was declared by the African Union Assembly in January, 2009, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It
is the framework for multi-sectorial and multidimensional engagement of all stakeholders
towards the achievement of the goals and objectives of the African Youth Charter for the
decade 2009-2018. The key objectives of the Youth Decade Plan of Action are as follows: To
serve as a road map on the accelerated implementation of African Youth Charter (AYC);
Mainstreaming and operationalizing the implementation of the AYC with a youth perspective
in financing and monitoring African development goals and indicators; and establishment of
a benchmark of standards, indicative criteria's and accountability in design, implementing
and monitoring of youth development policies, program and activities in Africa. Actually, one
of the strategies of the Youth Decade Action Plan focuses on consolidated investment
targeting youth socio-economic empowerment.
African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC)
Based on highlights by Valle (2012) this is a network of African youth organizations and
individuals working on climate change and sustainable development. It was founded in 2006
at the COP 12 – UNFCCC in Nairobi, the movement’s goal is to ensure participation of
African Youth in Climate Change debates, identify and seek support for youth driven climate

18
change solutions and increase the youth awareness on Climate Change. This initiative
currently has national chapters in over 20 African countries and focal points in 35 countries.
The members of the AYICC address the bigger picture of climate change issues linking them
with key development challenges, like poverty alleviation, agriculture, health, education,
economic growth, urbanization and migrations, governance among others. This initiative is a
key entry point for advocating for youth engagement in agriculture considering that climate
change induced disasters are a major risk to agriculture production. Thus, even the youth
who are mobilized to engage in agri-business will be highly affected by climate change
impacts and their capacities to adapt and mitigate must be strengthened.
Overall, much as there are sub-regional, regional and international policies supporting youth
development as highlighted in sub-Sections 6.1 and 6.2, these policies do not strongly focus
on promoting and supporting youth engagement in agri-business. Additionally, they have
not yet been effectively translated into national policies, programs and actions for
implementation at the local and community level to further benefit youth engagements in
agri-business. Therefore, more lobbying and advocacy through policy dialogue is necessary
to influence policy discourse for development programs and initiatives supporting youth in
agri-business at the sub-regional, regional and international levels. Such initiatives would
also provide the required technical backstopping and cooperation for integration of sub-
regional, regional and international policy commitments into implementable actions to
promote youth engagement in agri-business at the national level.
6.3 National level
National Youth Policy, (2001)
In 2001, the Government of Uganda approved the National Youth Policy. The Policy seeks to
guide, harmonize, complement, enhance and promote the distinctive yet complementary
actions and roles of all the stakeholders at all levels in youth development to enhance
effectiveness of all efforts (National Youth Policy 2001). It provides a framework for
development of a National Action Plan for the Youth that spells out the strategic areas for
actions, target groups and implementation modalities.
The policy’s mission is, ‘Youth empowerment,’ were as its goal is, ‘to provide an appropriate
framework for enabling youth to develop social, economic, cultural and political skills so as
to enhance their participation in the overall development process and improve their quality
of life.’ Furthermore, the policy clearly identifies employment and enterprise development as
a priority strategy for youth development, particularly providing youth farmers with market
information and agricultural extension services.
However, it is more than 10 years since the National Youth Policy, (2001) was approved.
Therefore, the review for the policy is long overdue to address emerging issues in respect to
youth engagement in agri-business.
Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development
This is the overarching national institution responsible for youth affairs and is charged to
take lead in the implementation of the youth policy while effectively coordinating youth
engagement initiatives by other stakeholders at all levels.
National Youth Councils
These are established at the village, parish, sub-county, district and national levels as
provided for in the National Council Statute, (1993). They are expected to play a

19
fundamental role in the implementation of the National Youth Policy, (2001) and are
charged with the following among others:
--Youth mobilization, sensitization and organization of youth into unified bodies for
engagement in political, economic and socio-cultural activities;
--Advocacy and lobbying to address youth concerns;
--Liaison with development organizations to ensure that youth gain access to resources,
services and programs;
-- Inspire and promote in the youth the spirit of unity, patriotism and voluntarism; and
--Act as a voice and bridge to ensure that Government and other decision/policy makers are
kept informed of the views and aspiration of the youth.
Non-Governmental Organizations engaging youth
According to Nanna, (2009), there are 3000 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) working towards addressing several issues
affecting youth in Uganda. The issues include: HIV/AIDs and reproductive health;
Education- with particular focus on the Universal primary Education; Poverty and
Unemployment; Peace and Conflict resolution; Governance and anti-corruption; and Human
and child rights (Uganda Youth Council cited in Nanna 2009). However, not very many
NGOs and CBOs are primarily focused on advancing youth engagement in agri-business for
their improved livelihoods and wellbeing. The study by Nanna (2009) further articulated that
civil society youth engagements are limited by a number of challenges such as:
a) Inadequate institutional funding;
b) Weak capacity particularly for organizational, planning, monitoring and evaluation
skills;
c) Social-cultural barriers – for instance in cases were traditionally authoritative,
patriarchal and hierarchical values prevented youth voices from being considered in
decision making. In such cases especially in the rural areas, youth participation is
symbolic;
d) Politicization of youth organizations – this becomes a challenge when the
organization becomes a youth wing for political parties. In such cases, the youth
leaders are compromised that they end up promoting the interests of the party at
the cost of their interests as youth;
e) Weak capacity for effective participation – this is particularly in respect to the
knowledge/ skills for appropriate decision making in respect to the issues engaged
upon and the forums. Thus, most youth are inadequately empowered to engage in
decision making processes or forums at local and national levels, which are largely
dominated by adults;
f) The low young women participation is partly because they are considered as youth
by the society after marriage or pregnancy. Secondly, majority of women
organizations are often dominated by elder women leaving little space for young
women. Furthermore, young women usually have low education levels but also the
associated cultural and religious barriers and their heavy domestic workload limit
their participation.
As highlighted in Section 6.3, there exists the National Youth Policy, (2001) and associated
frontline institutional framework for its implementation at the national, local and village
levels. Whereas the policy clearly identifies employment and enterprise development as a
priority strategy for youth development, the policy also has several other strategies
targeting other equally important youth livelihood aspects such as education, health and
human rights. Subsequently, the implementation of the employment and enterprise
development strategy competes for resources allocation with other strategies. Therefore,
effective implementation of this strategy to further promote youth engagement and benefit

20
in agri-business requires targeted policy dialogue for awareness creation about the merits of
supporting youth participation in agri-business.
7.0 Key stakeholders engaging youth in agri-businesses in Uganda
The key stakeholders engaging youth in agri-business in Uganda are presented in Table 6. It
also suggests the differentiated roles which these stakeholders should spearhead to
promote and support youth engagement in agri-business in Uganda. Furthermore in annex
1, examples of some of these key stakeholder’s initiatives are enlisted.
Table 6. Major stakeholders engaging youth in agri-business in Uganda
Key stakeholder Suggested role for advancing youth engagement agri-business
Enabling ministries and departments
Ministry of Gender,
Labor, and Social
Development
-Develop and implement strategies to promote and support youth
engagement in agri-business.
Ministry of Finance,
Planning and Economic
Development
-Providing adequate funding for productive engagement of youth in
agri-business.
Ministry of Agriculture,
Animal industries and
Fisheries
Ministry of Trade and
Industry
engagement in agri-business and agro-based cottage industries.
Ministry of Lands,
Housing and Urban
Planning
ownership and access to land resources for investment in agri-
business.
Political leaders at local
and national levels
-Mobilizing youth engagement and participation in agribusiness;
-Making appropriate decisions for promoting and supporting youth
Kampala City Council
Authority, Local
governments and Urban
Authorities
-Implement strategies to promote and support youth engagement
in agri-business.
International and inter-
governmental
organizations
-Provide technical support and backstopping for advancing youth
engagement in agri-business;
-Provide funding support for action research through piloting
models for youth engagement in agri-business.
Youth councils and
organizations
-Mobilizing youth engagement and participation in agribusiness;
-Spearhead lobbying and advocacy initiatives and dialogue for
support of youth engagement in agri-business.
Non-governmental
organizations
-Undertake lobbying and advocacy for productive and sustainable
engagement of youth in agri-business;
-Enhancement of youth skills for effective engagement in
agribusiness through training, coaching mentoring and internship;
-Creating more awareness with facts about the potential of agri-
business to livelihood and associated benefits when more youth are
actively involved.
Schools -Educate youth about the importance of agriculture and several
agricultural production skills through implementation of the
education curriculum and activities of School Agricultural Clubs;
Religious Institutions -Mobilizing youth engagement and participation in agri-business;
-Establishing programs and projects for supporting youth

21
engagement in agri-business enterprises.
Cultural Institutions -Mobilizing youth engagement and participation in agri-business;
-Establishing programs and projects for supporting youth
engagement in agri-business enterprises.
Private sector -Enhancement of youth skills for effective engagement in agri-
business through training, mentoring and internship;
-Improving access to agricultural inputs and credit facilities by
youth for investment in agri-business;
Provide employment for youth through establishing agro-based
industries and cottage industries and agri-business enterprises for
selected agricultural value chains.
Research and
Development
Institutions
-Encouraging and supporting youth to participate in agricultural
research and development so that in the long-term they would
replace the aging research and development personnel.
Media (New Vision, The
Daily Monitor, Bukedde
TV, NTV and Radio)
-Documentation and dissemination of best practices in agri-
business;
-Mobilizing youth to invest in agri-business;
-Creating awareness about policies and programs with influence on
agri-business
Family farms -Training youth to engage in agri-business activities through
mentoring and couching;
-Encouraging and supporting youth to invest in agri-business;
7.1 An overview of national policies that have a direct influence on youth
participation in Agri-business
The key national policies which have direct influence on youth involvement and participation
in agri-business are discussed in Table 7. Whereas these several policies and associated
programs are being implemented, low proportion of youth is aware about them and
consequently not many youth would participate and benefit. For instance, reports by Action
Aid Uganda, Development Research and Training and Uganda National Non-Governmental
Organizations Forum (2012) indicated that only 14% of the youth are aware of the National
Youth Policy (2001). It is therefore, necessary to create more targeted awareness about
these policies and programs at all levels to promote effective youth participation in their
implementation.
Table 7. Key national policies and programs with direct influence on youth
engagement in agri-business in Uganda
Key
policy/program
Policy/program objectives Key observation in respect
to engagement of youth in
agri-business
Nation Youth
Policy for
Uganda
(2001).
The policy provides a framework for
development of a National Action Plan for
the Youth, which spells out the strategic
areas for actions, target groups and
implementation modalities.
It identifies employment
and enterprise
development as a priority
strategy for youth
development, particularly
providing youth farmers
with market information
and agricultural extension
services. However, policy
implementation should be
strengthened to ensure
that youth benefit through

22
engagement and
investment in
agribusiness.
National
Agricultural
Policy for
Uganda,
(2011).
The policy aims at transforming subsistence
farming into sustainable commercial
agriculture. It provides guidance to all
actors in the agricultural sector to make
investments that will increase agricultural
incomes, reduce poverty, improved
household food and nutrition security, create
employment and stimulate overall economic
development.
The policy recognizes that
involvement and
participation of youth is
necessary in order to
achieve the policy goal,
objectives and targets.
However, strategies for
promoting and supporting
productive youth
engagement in agri-
business should be
developed and
implemented.
National Land
Policy for
Uganda,
(2013).
The National Land Policy for Uganda
envisions a transformed Ugandan Society
through optimal use and management of
land resources for a prosperous and
industrialized economy with a developed
services sector. The policy recognizes land
rights of women and children. Thus, women
are generally not able to own or inherit land
due to restrictive practices under customary
land tenure and cannot afford to buy land
rights in the market. Therefore, women,
especially young women have limited access
and ownership to land for investment in
farming. The policy further clearly stipulates
strategies for review and regulation of
customary law and practices for access to
and ownership of land.
- Effective implementation
of strategies for review
and regulation of
customary law and
practices for access to and
ownership of land so that
young women can own
and access land for
investment in agri-
business.
National
Industrial
Policy for
Uganda,
(2008).
The policy envisions to, ‘build the industrial
sector into a modern, competitive and
dynamic sector fully integrated into the
domestic, regional and global economies.’
The policy recognizes the role of gender in
industrial development. In this respect,
among its policies is prioritization of gender
balanced and sensitive industrial
transformation. Thus, one of the strategies
to this is promotion and development of
vocational education for disadvantaged
sections of society such as women and
people with disabilities, including through
affirmative action to increase the percentage
of such groups in technical and vocational
institutions as well as other industrial related
discipline. This presents an entry point for
youth to tap into opportunities for skills and
knowledge enhancement in agro-processing
and agri-business.
- Effective implementation
of this strategy to ensure
that youth are benefiting
to further their
engagement in agro-
processing and agri-
business.

23
National
Cooperative
Development
Policy for
Uganda,
(2011).
The policy envisions a, ‘self-driven, vibrant,
prosperous and gender responsive co-
operative movement.’ The policy identifies
several policy actions through which youth
cooperatives based on agri-business can
benefit. These include: Diversification of co-
operative enterprises; and Strengthening
the co-operative movement. However, these
actions are not restricted to only youth
farmers. Therefore, the youth agro-based
cooperatives would be required to
proactively position themselves to
participate and benefit from implementation
of these policy actions.
-Strategies for promoting
and supporting
cooperatives for youth
farmers for effective
delivery of services to
their members should be
developed and
implemented.
National Trade
Policy for
Uganda,
(2007).
The vision of the National Trade Policy for
Uganda is, ‘to transform Uganda into a
dynamic and competitive economy in which
the trade sector stimulates the productive
sectors; and to trade the country out of
poverty, into wealth and prosperity.’ The
policy earmarked the following policy actions
which youth involved in agri-business can
benefit from:
--Encourage and foster collective action
through, inter alia, the development and
strengthening as well as diversification of
cooperatives;
--Implement the Marketing and Agro-
Processing Strategy (MAPS) of the Plan for
Modernization of Agriculture;
--Encourage bulk marketing and adherence
to commodity standards through; inter alia,
Cooperative Societies and Area Marketing
Cooperative Enterprises and Farmers’
Groups.
However, these actions are not restricted to
only youth farmers. Therefore, the youth
agro-based cooperatives would be required
to proactively position themselves to
participate and benefit from implementation
of these policy actions.
and supporting youth
farmers’ effective
participation and benefit
from the implementation
of these policy actions
should be developed and
implemented.
Uganda
Climate
Change Policy,
(2013)
The goal of the policy is, ‘to ensure
harmonized and coordinated action towards
a climate resilient and sustainable low
carbon development path for Uganda,’ The
overall objective of the policy is, ‘to ensure
that all stakeholders with a role to play in
the development of Uganda address climate
change impacts and their causes through
appropriate measures while promoting
sustainable development.’
The policy prioritizes climate change
farmers’ effective
participation and benefit
from the implementation
of these policy strategies
should be developed and
implemented.

24
adaption and mitigation in the Agriculture
and Livestock sub-sectors. This will be
achieved through implementation of the
following strategies as stipulated in the
policy:
-Promoting climate change adaptation
strategies that enhance resilient, productive
and sustainable agricultural systems;
-Promoting value addition and improve food
storage and management systems in order
to ensure food security at all times, as a
factor of resilience.
Agricultural
Sector
Development
Strategy and
Investment
Plan (DSIP),
(2010).
This is the strategic and development plan
for the Agricultural sector in Uganda. Its
overall development objectives are: (i) Rural
incomes and livelihoods increased; and (ii)
Household food and nutrition security
improved. It earmarks production &
productivity and Markets and value addition
as key programs among others. The plan
recognizes the high number of youth who
are unemployed who can get gainful
employment in agriculture. It also articulates
the issues limiting youth engagement and
investment in agriculture. However, the plan
does not clearly indicate the strategies for
engaging youth in agri-business.
engagement in agri-
business should be
developed and
implemented in the DSIP
program.
Community
Driven
Development
(CDD)
Program,
Ministry of
Local
Government
2014.
The goal of the CDD program is to develop
mechanisms for supporting community level
activities that improve governance and
investment. Particularly, it aims at
strengthening the linkage between
communities and local governments by
empowering them to champion their own
development and demand for local service
delivery. Thus, it provides small grants for
small-scale community-led projects
addressing development concerns of
community based groups and association. It
is implemented by Local Governments
through coordination by the Local
Government Community Development
Office. The project is implemented country-
wide in all the 112 districts.
engagement in agri-
business should be
developed and
implemented in the CDD
program.
Youth
Livelihood
Program/Fund.
The implementation of the program fund is
coordinated by the Ministry of Gender,
Labor, and Social Development. The purpose
of the program is to initiate business as a
way of addressing unemployment among
youth. The fund is allocated 265 billion
shillings annually and the program is
targeted for implementation in 112 districts
for a period of 5 years. So far 27 districts
-Considering the
opportunities associated
with youth engagement in
agribusiness, agricultural
based enterprises initiated
by youth should be
promoted and supported
by the program.

25
were earmarked to benefit from the first
phase of implementation.
Business,
Technical and
Vocational
Education and
Training
(BTVET)
Strategic Plan
2011 – 2020 –
‘Skilling
Uganda.’
The main purpose of BTVET Strategic Plan is
creation of employable skills and
competencies relevant in the labor market
instead of educational certificates. Among its
objectives is to expand and improve
agriculture training.
-Implementation of the
plan should benefit the
youth by enhancing their
skills for effective
engagement in agri-
business through training.
National
Agricultural
Advisory
Services
(NAADS).
This is the national institution which provides
agricultural extension advisory services to
farmers in Uganda. Whereas the program
targets youth, there are limitations for youth
engagement which must be addressed. For
example most youth don’t own land and
secondly, they have specific preferences of
the agricultural value chain segments to
engage in and these may not necessary be
the focus of the program.
engagement in agri-
business should be
developed and
implemented in the
NAADS program.
However, according to
Actionaid Uganda , on the
whole it was the
progressive farmers that
have benefited from the
program
7.2 Analysis of existing strengths, weaknesses, threats, and emerging
opportunities for youth engagement in agri-business in Uganda
There exits several strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities for effective
engagement of youth in agri-business in Uganda. Therefore, the youth and the stakeholders
interested in advancing youth engagement in agri-business need to understand these
strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities for better positioning of themselves to
undertake appropriate actions.
Existing strengths for youth engagement in agri-business in Uganda
(i) The youth are very energetic, enthusiastic and innovative, thus they are in the prime of
their lives physically and mentally. Thus, engagement would increase productivity in the
agri-business;
(ii) Youth can easily be mobilized and organized for bulk production and marketing through
contract farming and out grower schemes;
Existing key weaknesses for youth engagement in agri-business in Uganda
(i) Majority of youth have limited knowledge and skills for effective engagement in agri-
business and hence this undermines productivity;
(ii) Majority of youth have limited access to resources (land, credit/loans, and agricultural
inputs) for investment in agri-business;
(iii) Most youth are ignorant about the potential of agri-business for wealth creation.
Existing key threats for youth engagement in agri-business in Uganda
(i) Fear of the climate change and variability induced disasters which present high risk for
investment in agri-business enterprises;

26
(ii) Competitive alternative employment opportunities in other sectors like services such as
transport among others;
(iii) Increased engagement of youth (especially youth in urban and peri-urban areas) in
unproductive activities such as betting, prostitution and robbery.
Existing emerging opportunities and motivations for youth engagement in agri-
business in Uganda
(i) Existing policy environment and framework for youth engagement in agri-business at
international, sub-regional and national levels;
(ii) The energy and enthusiasm of youth when applied appropriately would advance
productivity of agri-businesses;
(iii) Agri-business provides gainful employment for livelihood for youth;
(iv) There are various training opportunities in agribusiness which youth can tap into;
(v) Communal land ownership especially in northern Uganda enables youth to access land
on which they can establish agriculture enterprises;
(vi) Favorable climate with two planting seasons;
(vii) Availability of information about both traditional and modern farming practices and
methods;
(viii) Existence of several Non-governmental organization providing agricultural extension
and support services (such as skills, inputs, market linkages and market information);
(vix) Access to finance through existing Village Saving and Loan schemes (VSLA) and
Saving and Credit Cooperatives Societies (SACCOs);
(x) Value addition (incubation centers). There are a number of incubation centers like
Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), Afri-banana products, the Consortium for
Enhancing University Responsiveness to Agri-business Development (CURAD) and The
Technology Business Incubation Center, School of Food Technology, Nutrition & Bio-
Engineering, Makerere University that youth could take advantage of to develop value
added agricultural products and sharpen their food processing skills.
(xi) Agriculture is recognized by the government of Uganda as a source of growth,
employment and poverty eradication (National Development Plan 2010-1015, Uganda Vision
2040).
(xii) Additionally the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development underscores
government willingness to undertake investments that will make agriculture more attractive
and profitable. For example government allocated UGX 25 billion under the Youth Venture
Capital Fund and part of this money will be used by the youth to undertake agriculture
related enterprises;
(xiii) Development partners are willing to promote initiatives which support youth
engagement in agri-business through implementation of youth development and livelihood
programs;
(xiv) Uganda is urbanizing and will continue to do so and therefore, this presents an
opportunity (market) for the youth in farming to sell their produce (food).
(xv) Existing institutions for training youth in agri-business.

27
8.0 Conclusion and recommendations
8.1 Conclusions
Productive involvement of youth in agri-business in Uganda is a spring board for increased
and sustainable productivity, wealth creation, employment and economic development
considering an agricultural sector which is suffering from an aging generation of farmers.
There are various opportunities which youth should tap into as motivation for engaging in
agri-business. Despite the existence of various supportive policies, programs and initiatives
at the local, national and international levels which promote youth participation in agri-
business, there are several challenges for youth engagement in agri-business. These must
be addressed through active involvement of key stakeholders each effectively implementing
their roles to advance youth participation in agri-business.
8.2 Recommendations
Advancing youth involvement and benefit in agri-business requires a multi-disciplinary
approach and the involvement of all agriculture development practitioners, policy makers,
the private sector, agricultural government agencies, family farms and other professionals.
The following practical and actionable recommendations are suggested:
• The Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development should consider the review of
the National Youth Policy, (2001) to address emerging issues in respect to youth
• The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries
and Fisheries (MAAIF) and National Agricultural Advisory Services program and Local
Government should transform agriculture from entirely subsistence to profitablel
agribusiness. This can partly be achieved through mechanization of farming (cheap
tractors and use of other implements/equipment such as power tillers, pumped
irrigation systems (using motorized pumps, solar powered pumps), treadle pumps,
thresher and seed planter;
• Change the image and perceptions about agriculture in the face/mind of the youth
considered as a low-income, high-risk career. This requires continuous public
awareness by the media in collaboration with MAAIF, National Agricultural Advisory
Services program, Youth Non-Governmental Organizations, Local Government, Non-
Governmental Organizations, International Non-Governmental & Inter-Governmental
Organizations and Private Sector particularly through profiling and dissemination of
success stories and use of role models (youth who are successfully in
farming/agribusiness). The dissemination should be targeted and several
dissemination strategies applied such as illustrative posters, video documentaries,
media (i.e. radio, television) and social media platforms to reach out to as many
youth of different categories and background;
• Effective policy and programs (Table 7) implementation to ensure that youth are
supported to participate and benefit from agri-business. This should be spearheaded
by the respective lead institutions such as MAAIF, Ministry of Gender, Labor, and
Social Development, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Local Government,
Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Lands, Housing
and Urban Development, Ministry of Water and Environment.
• Financial Institutions should develop youth friendly financial products, thus these
must be appropriate, affordable and accessible by the youth;
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries, National Agricultural
Advisory Services program should promote short-term high value crops (such as
horticultural crops) with high returns, which majority of youth are interested in so
that more youth are attracted into agri-business;
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries, National Agricultural
Advisory Services program, Ministry of Trade and Industry should support youth

28
farmers to produce for the market. This can be achieved through improving access to
market information by the youthful farmers and also facilitating youth farmers
organization and institutional development to tap into production and marketing
opportunities such as bulking through contract farming and out grower schemes;
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries, Ministry of Water and
Environment should support adoption of appropriate water for production and
irrigation technologies by youth farmers to strengthen their resilience to climate
change and variability disasters particularly prolonged droughts. Examples of such
technologies include: tied ridges, stone terracing, fanya juu, fanya chini, spate
irrigation, rooftop and roadside runoff water harvesting;
• Youth Non-Governmental Organizations, other local Non-Governmental
Organizations, International Non-Governmental Organizations and Private Sector
should conduct targeted training for respective youth categories to strengthen their
knowledge and skills in respect to several requirements for profitable farming and
agri-business management based on the youth’s interests, preferences (such as
horticultural crops) and training needs assessment. This should be through
establishing youth couching and mentoring platforms established at national,
regional and district levels for linking youth with technical knowledge, exposure and
resources. These can be integrated with other knowledge sharing activities such as
youth-led seminars, debates, exposures, innovation fairs and talk shows, exchange
visits;
• Supporting youth to benefit from training opportunities for agri-business
management existing in several agribusiness incubation centers such as Uganda
Industrial Research Institute, Afri-banana products, the Consortium for Enhancing
University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development and the Technology
Business Incubation Center, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-
Engineering, Makerere University;
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries should establish and
manage information, communication, technology and social media interactive
platforms for farming and agri-business information dissemination targeting youth
and also to generate their feedback on selected farming and agri-business topics;
• Research and Development Institutions such as Economic Policy Research Centre,
Universities and Non-Governmental Organizations should conduct studies dedicated
to generation of information and data about the number of youth involved in
farming/agri-business and the impact of several policies and programs
implementation on youth livelihood. These will be useful for future decision making
towards promoting and supporting youth engagement in agri-business at different
scales (local, national, sub-regional and international). Additionally, studies focusing
on youth engagement in specific value chains (such as dairy, fish, timber) and
associated aspects (such as mechanization, access to credit) would be equally
important;
• The Media, Youth Non-Governmental Organizations, Non-Governmental
Organizations, International Non-Governmental Organizations, Schools, Religious
Institutions, Cultural Institutions and Political Leaders should create more targeted
awareness about these policies and programs (Table 7) at all levels to promote
effective youth participation in their implementation;
• Youth Non-Governmental Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations,
International Non-Governmental Organizations, Private Sector, Religious and Cultural
Institutions should conduct more lobbying and advocacy to advance engagement of
youth in agri-business value chains in the implementation of several agricultural
development programs at different levels.

29
9.0 .References
Action Aid Uganda, Development Research and Training and Uganda National Non-
Governmental Organizations Forum. (2012). Action Aid Uganda, Development Reasearch
and Training and Uganda National NGO Forum. Lost Opportunity? Gaps in Youth Policy
and Programming in Uganda, Kampala.
http://www.actionaid.org/sites/files/actionaid/youthrepot-final_0.pdf.
African Youth Charter, (2006).
http://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/AFRICAN_YOUTH_CHARTER.pdf.
Ahaibwe, G., Mbowa, S., Mayanja, L. M. (2013). Youth engagement in Agriculture in
Uganda: Challenges and prospects. Research series No. 106. Economic Policy Research
Centre, Kampala.
DSIP, (2010). Agricultural Sector Development Strategy and Investment Plan. Ministry of
Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries, Entebbe.
FAC, (2010). Future Agricultures Consortium. Future farmers? Exploring youth aspirations
for African Agriculture. Policy brief 037. University of Sussex, Brighton.
ILO, (2006). International Labor Organization. Global Employment Trends for the youth.
International Labour Office, Geniva.
International Youth Foundation (2011). Youth map Uganda. Navigating challenges. Charting
hope. A cross-sector situational analyses on youth in Uganda. Baltimore.
Krejeje, R. V., Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities.
Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30, 607-610.
Larok, A., Okiring, H., Mayambala, J. (2010). At crossroads? The youth, politics of interest
groups and influencing National policy processes in Uganda.
http://www.actionaid.org/sites/files/actionaid/at_crossroads_youth_rngagement_in_poli
cy_in_uganda.pdf.
Nanna, J. J. (2009). Young people’s possibilities for influence in Uganda. Report for the
Danish Youth Council. Next Generation Advice.
http://duf.dk/uploads/tx_tcshop/Young_People_s_possibilities_for_influence_in_Uganda.
pdf.
Ministry of Local Government, (2014). Community Driven Development Program. Kampala.
http://citione.net/www/cdd.molg/?page_id=114
National Agricultural Policy for Uganda, (2011). Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries
and Fisheries, Entebbe.
National Cooperative Development Policy for Uganda, (2011). Ministry of Tourism, Trade
and Industry, Kampala.
National Industrial Policy for Uganda, (2008). A framework of Uganda’s transformation,
competitive and prosperity. Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Kampala.
National Trade Policy, (2007). Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Kampala.
National Land Policy, (2013). Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Planning, Kampala.
Oluwaseum, O. (2014). Fifteen major reasons youth in Africa donot like a carreer in
Agriculture. http://www.nairaland.com/1624644/15-major-reasons-youth-africa
PRDP, (2007). Peace, Recovery and Development Plan for Northern Uganda. Office of the
Prime Minister. Kampala.
Santacoloma, P., Suarez, R., Riveros, H. (2005). Strengthening agri-business linkages with
small-scale farmers. Case studies in the Latin America and Caribbean. Food and
Agricature Organisation, Rome.
UBOS, (2010). Uganda National Bureau of Statistics. The National Labor Force and Child
Activities Survey 2011/2012: Youth Employment Report
Uganda Climate Change Policy, (2013). Ministry of Water and Environment, Kampala.
United Nations, (2000). World Program of action for Youth. Economic and Social Affairs.
New York. http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/documents/wpay2010.pdf.
United Nations, (1985). Secretary-General’s Report to the General Assembly, A/40/256,
1985

30
Valle, F. D. (2012). Exploring opportunities and constraints for young entrepreneurs in
Africa. Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome.
World Bank, (2012). Health Nutrition and Population Statistics. Washington DC.
Youth Decade Plan of Action (2009). Accelerating youth empowerment for sustainable
development. The roadmap towards the implementation of the African Youth Charter.
http://africa-
youth.org/sites/default/files/African%20Youth%20Decade%20Plan%20of%20Action.pdf.
.

31
Annex 1 – Example of some of the key stakeholder’s initiatives engaging youth in agribusiness in Uganda.
N
o
Name of the
organization
Brief description about the initiative Scale of
implementation
Contact
Person
Contact details
1 Youth Livelihood
Programme
The implementation of the program fund is
coordinated by the Ministry of
Gender,Labor, and Social Development.
The purpose of the program is to initiate
business as a way of addressing
unemployment among youth. The fund is
allocated 265 billion shillings annually and
the program is targeted for
implementation in 112 districts for a period
of 5 years.
Country-wide,
however the
initial phase is
being
implemented in
27 districts.
James Ebitu
Youth
Livelihood
Programme
Coordinator
Ministry of Gender
Labor and Social
Development
Email:
jamesebitu@gmail.com
2 Farming Consult
(FACOM) -
Uganda
FACOM provides farming consultation and
management services. Their mission is to
promote commercial farming through
advisory and encouraging local production
in Uganda. They implemented the
following key activities: Monthly farmer’s
trainings on commercial production of
selected crops (i.e. pawpaw, yams,
mangoes and passion fruits); Organizing
annual agricultural training and tour for
students.
Central Uganda
region,
particularly
Kampala,
Luweero,
Wakiso and
Nakaseke
districts.
Iga Patrick,
Chief
Executive
Officer
P. O. Box 32012
Kampala, Uganda. Plot
831, Makerere Kavule,
Bombo road. Nissi
House.
Email:
facomug@gmail.com
Tel: +2567784105161
3 Katende
Harambe Rural-
urban training
centre
Operates a training and demonstration
center focusing on sustainable
intensification and commercialization of
smallholder farm production by facilitating
the improvement of agricultural practices
through training and on-farm technical
support services, planning and
management, capacity building, storage,
processing and marketing, appropriate
technology and improved livestock and
crop husbandry.
Central region
especially in
the urban
areas
Jane Magoba
Nyanzi
Kira Town Council-
Wakiso district 5km
away from Kireka of
Jinja Road off
Namugongo road.
Tel: +256782 328 500
4 Shatwa Mixed
Farm
Conducts regular training and awareness
on commercial vegetable (especially garlic)
production among famers.
Central region
particularly
Kayunga,
Twaha
Kakooza
Kayunga, Bugeerere;
Tel: +256776993187
or +256392080456;

32
Kampala,
Wakiso,
Mubende and
Masaka
districts
Email:
shatwamixedfarm@gm
ail.com
5 Newvision Group Documents and disseminates experiences
of successful farmers in their daily
Nevision publications and also Bukedde
Television. The most notable
documentation in this respect include:
Harvest money, Kewerimidde,
National and
Country-wide
coverage
Kato Joshua JR Complex, Plot 101
Jinja road
6 Monitor
Publications
Documents and disseminates experiences
of successful farmers in their daily monitor
publications. The most notable
documentation is this respect includes:
seeds of gold and farming columns.
National and
Country-wide
coverage
The Editor 29/35, 8th
street; P. O.
Box 12141, Kampala;
Tel: 04147744100
Email:
editorial@ug.nationme
dia.com
7 Central
Broadcasting
Services (CBS)
FM - PEWOSA
An initiative of the the Kabaka of Buganda
implemented by CBS FM in collaboration
with Stromme Foundation. The initiative
promotes savings and credits among
farmers and investment of the savings for
value addition through agro-processing
and packaging. Additionally, information
on agricultural production and agri-
business is aired on CBS FM on a regular
basis. Furthermore, annual cottage and
food industries trade fair are organized
with a purpose of creating awareness and
training for commercial agriculture and
agro-processing for wealth creation and
improved livelihood.
Central and
Eastern
Uganda regions
Managing
Director
Bulange, Mengo,
Rubaga Division,
Kampala
8 Radio Simba FM Broadcasts regular programs on
agricultural awareness and training about
production and agri-business for selected
crops (vanilla, coffee) and poultry in
partnership with Ssekalala Enterprises
Limited.
Central and
Eastern
Uganda regions
Managing
Director
Plot 2, Corporation
Rise, Bukoto, 31564,
Kampala, Uganda.
Tel: 041-543672

33
9 NTV-Uganda Documents and disseminates experiences
of successful farmers on NTV on a regular
basis. The most notable documentation in
this respect include:
National and
Country-wide
coverage
The Chief
Executive
Officer
10 Agri-ProFocus-
Uganda
The Agri-ProFocus Uganda Agri-Hub brings
together the different actors in the
agricultural sector and stimulates
cooperation and exchange amongst them.
On a day-to-day basis, the members
collaborate to improve their farmer
entrepreneurship interventions.
National and
Country-wide
coverage
Ms. Sylvia
Natukunda
c/o SNV Uganda
Country Office; Plot 36,
Luthuli Rise
11 Telesat
International
Cottage
Development
Institute
(TICIDI) c/o
Telesat-Uganda
Conducts training in entrepreneurship
skills focusing on promotion of
establishment of small cottage industries
for value addition including agricultural
products value chain. They also facilitate
access and installation of several types of
cottage industry machinery including agro-
based machinery for processing and value
addition.
National level Maalik Fahad
Kayondo
Room B, 3, 2nd
Floor,
Platinum House, Burton
Street, Kampala;
Tel:
+256712807716/+256
392945667;
Email:
info@telesatinternation
al.net
12 National
Agricultural
Research
Organization
(NARO)
NARO is implementing a strategy targeting
to encourage youth to get interested for
enrollment in Agricultural research and
technology development by targeting
schools. These would later be trained to
replace the aging generation of agricultural
scientists in the National Research
Institutions. This initiative is promoted
through essay completions for secondary
schools and tertiary institutions
coordinated by the Uganda Bio-sciences
centre. The winners are motivated by
giving them prizes and awards e.g. laptops
and books. Subsequently, the students
access additional knowledge and skills
through mentoring and backstopping by a
network between students, teachers and
scientists coordinated by NARO.
National level Dr. Barbara
Mugwanya
National Crop
Resources Research
Institute (NaCRRI),
Namulonge
Email:
ubic.nacrri@gmail.com

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