Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, and engaging youth in agriculture is critical for food security, employment, and rural development. The sector is increasingly seen as a source of opportunity rather than a last resort.
Beyond subsistence
Youth are often more open to new technologies, improved seeds, and market-oriented production. Agribusiness—from input supply and aggregation to processing and digital services—offers pathways that don't depend on owning large tracts of land.
Barriers and enablers
Access to land, finance, and knowledge remains a challenge. Programmes that combine training, inputs, and guaranteed markets (e.g. through off-taker arrangements) can lower risk and make farming more attractive. Partnerships with NGOs and government can scale such models.
Looking ahead
When youth see agriculture as a business with clear income potential, the sector can attract a new generation of farmers and entrepreneurs. Supporting young women and men with inputs, irrigation, and market linkages is key to that shift.