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Youth involved in agriculture-related activities in Busoga Sub-region are to benefit from Heifer International and the Mastercard Foundation’s renewed partnership to engage 250,000 youth in the country.

Through the Stimulating Agriculture for Youth Employment (SAYE) project, $48 million about (sh181bn) has been set aside to create 33,000 new jobs for more than 25,000 young people from 2023 to 2029.

In a statement released on Tuesday by Heifer International, Heifer International’s President and CEO Surita Sandosham said that the aim is to transform the market ecosystem in Busoga.

“Our aim is to transform the Busoga region in a way that drives inclusion and economic resilience for the many young people who currently have trouble securing dignified and fulfilling work,” Sandosham said.

She explained that under SAYE, Heifer will lead the formation and strengthening of youth- and farmer-led agri-hubs while local partners will focus on business incubation, skills training, promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises, and improving access to financial services. 

Viola, one of the youth who has benefited from other Heifer International projects. (All Photos by Prossy Nandudu)

The eleven districts in Busoga that will benefit from the project include Jinja, Mayuge, Iganga, Kamuli, Kaliro, Namutumba, Bugweri, Luka, Buyende, Bugiri, and Namayingo. 

The 11, according to Heifer, have high poverty levels due to overreliance on low-value crops like sugar cane and limited opportunities for income generation.

“Our goal is to enable 4.3 million Ugandan youth, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. This initiative will equip them with the necessary skills and resources to engage in various aspects of the agriculture value chain,” added Adrian Bukenya, Country Director for Uganda at the Mastercard Foundation.  

The SAYE project will also focus on diversifying value chains, embracing tech solutions, and adopting climate-smart agriculture. 

These efforts, along with private sector engagement and multiple partners, seek to provide young people with sustainable employment. 

To date, Heifer Uganda has supported over six million families across the country through agriculture and environmentally sound economic development programs. 

Heifer Uganda is currently present in 19 districts of the Central, Eastern, West Nile, and Northern regions.