Teso youth empowered with agro-entrepreneurship skills
SOROTI, December 9, 2024 — Over 100 young people from Teso Subregion have been empowered with agro-entrepreneurship skills to create job opportunities by adding value to agricultural produce to make more money.
Agro-entrepreneurship combines agriculture and entrepreneurship to establish profitable businesses and improve the quality and quantity of agricultural products, with the goal of maximising profit while minimising financial risk.
The youth participated in the Youth Empowerment Agro-entrepreneurship Programme [YEAP], which aims to reduce youth unemployment and transition young Ugandans from subsistence farming to wealth creation. YEAP is a collaborative effort led by the Science, Technology, and Innovations Secretariat under the Office of the President.
At the graduation ceremony held at Busitema University Soroti Campus, Prof. Vincent Anigbogu, Director of the Busitema University Agro-entrepreneurship Centre, expressed confidence in the graduates’ potential for success if they apply the skills acquired.
“We hope that with the training you have received, you are now ready to start your own enterprises,” said Prof. Anigbogu. He added that each graduate would be assigned a mentor to provide ongoing guidance before they receive start-up capital ranging from Shs 3 million to Shs 5mln.
The training covered various areas, including dairy farming, onion farming, poultry farming, and value addition. Agro-entrepreneurs employ innovative methods to enhance both the quality and quantity of agricultural products.
Safina Biira, First Deputy Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, encouraged the youth to view challenges as opportunities. “Find every opportunity in every hardship you encounter,” she advised.
Dr. Joshua Isiko from the Science, Technology, and Innovations Secretariat emphasised that the training supplements traditional education. “We want to nurture a youth that is impactful and will create opportunities for others,” Isiko stated.
James Small Chemutai, Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Soroti West Division, urged local communities to refrain from politicizing the programme, stressing its potential to lift people out of poverty. He expressed optimism, noting that many graduates, especially from the Teso Subregion, were already on their way to success.
“I already see success stories, especially with the graduates from the Teso Subregion,” Chemutai said.
Winfred Angole, a youth from Amuria district, expressed gratitude for the skills she gained, saying she was now ready to start her own project and contribute to her community. “I can now add value to onions, sweet potatoes, and milk. I’m so grateful for this innovation,” she shared.
Sofia Apolot, a graduate from Bukedea, pledged to train other youth in her community to ensure the programme’s benefits continue to improve the livelihoods of many households.
The programme will next expand to Busoga and Bukedi regions, where it aims to target 100 youth in each of the regions.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country- wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 1
