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12,000 Ugandan Youth to Benefit from Climate-Resilient Agriculture Initiative

Uganda
Kampala, Uganda.16.01.2025
Swisscontact, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has officially launched the EcoProsperity Project, a transformative five-year initiative aimed at empowering young mothers, young women, and youthful men through climate-resilient agriculture.
Md. Arafat Hossain, Country Director of Swisscontact Uganda, delivers opening remarks at the EcoProsperity Project launch

A Bold Step Towards Agricultural Transformation

Speaking at the launch, Arafat Hossain, Country Director of Swisscontact in Uganda, emphasised the transformative power of EcoProsperity in addressing youth unemployment and climate change challenges.

With over 27 years of presence in Uganda, Swisscontact continues to lead initiatives that bridge the gap between agriculture, entrepreneurship, and climate resilience.

"EcoProsperity is more than a project; it is a catalyst for change. By equipping youth and women with climate-resilient agricultural skills and market access, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth."
Arafat Hossain, Country Director of Swisscontact in Uganda

Government and stakeholders rally behind the initiative

Hon. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Uganda

Hon. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, lauded the project, emphasising its alignment with Uganda's Vision 2040 and the National Youth Policy.

"The EcoProsperity project exemplifies the spirit of collaboration by bringing together stakeholders across sectors, creating a model for sustainability and long-term impact."
Hon. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs
Byantwale Tibeijuka Stephen, Commissioner of Crop Protection - Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF) 

Representing Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga (MP), Minister of State for Agriculture, Byantwale Tibeijuka Stephen, Commissioner of Crop Protection, highlighted the importance of identifying agricultural enterprises that provide economic sense for Ugandan youth.

Youth at the forefront of change

The event featured inspiring testimonials from young farmers and agripreneurs who will be part of the project. Ankunde Desire Pretty, a spices processor, shared her journey

"The challenges are there, but we cannot focus on them. Agriculture is not just for older people; young people like me can thrive in it. Farming is a business like any other."
Ankunde Desire Pretty, a spices processor

Similarly, Deborah Nagasha, a young farmer and entrepreneur, expressed optimism about the project's potential to scale her enterprise and expand market reach.

Ankunde Desire Pretty, a spices processor addressing guests at the launch
Deborah Nagasha, a young farmer and entrepreneur also addressing guests at the launch

Key Insights from the Panel Discussion

The panel discussion, themed "Collaborative Pathways: Empowering Youth in Climate-Resilient Agriculture," brought together public and private sector experts, financial institutions, and development partners. Key takeaways included:

  • Charles Ocici, Executive Director at Enterprise Uganda, emphasised the need for youth to focus on "low-hanging fruits" in agriculture that provide easy access to knowledge and markets.
  • Valentina Moltisanti, Agribusiness and Green Agriculture Expert at Enabel, highlighted the need to address both the demand and supply sides of the labour market to foster entrepreneurship promotion.
  • Peter Dhamuzungu, Acting Commissioner of Crop Production, stressed the importance of digitising agriculture to enhance efficiency and outreach.
Charles Ocici, Executive Director at Enterprise Uganda
Valentina Moltisanti, Agribusiness and Green Agriculture Expert at Enabel
Peter Dhamuzungu, Acting Commissioner Crop Production at Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF) 
Kenneth Aedu, Project Manager - EcoProsperity Project

Looking ahead: the road to EcoProsperity

With a mission to empower 12,000 youth and women across ten districts in Eastern and Western Uganda, Kenneth Aedu, Project Manager of EcoProsperity, shared the project's strategic focus:

  • Equipping young women and men with climate-resilient technologies, innovations, and practices.
  • Partnering with businesses to deliver climate-relevant services and products.
  • Promoting regenerative agricultural practices for sustainable development.
Suzanne Oweka, Head of Operations at Swisscontact, Uganda

Suzanne Oweka, Head of Operations at Swisscontact in Uganda, emphasised the power of partnerships in achieving these ambitious goals.

"By working together, we can build a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector that provides opportunities for everyone."

About the EcoProsperity Project

The EcoProsperity Project is a five-year initiative focused on building climate resilience and fostering economic empowerment among Uganda's youth and women. Through skills training, technology access, and market development, the project aims to create sustainable agricultural enterprises that contribute to Uganda's economic growth.

This project is financed by Linsi Foundation and Happel Foundation, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.

Join us on this transformative journey to unlock opportunities and build a prosperous future for Uganda’s youth.

Media and Engagement
2024 - 2028
Uganda
Sustainable agriculture
EcoProsperity - Climate Resilient Livelihoods through Regenerative Agriculture Technologies for Women and Young Adults
The overarching vision of this project is to create resilience of young mothers, young women, and men to the impacts of climate change by increasing their access to climate-relevant technical skills and practices, technologies, production inputs, products, and services. This will lead to enhanced productivity and production, an increase in income, and food security and create employment opportunities.
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