Agriculture remains one of Uganda’s most promising pathways for youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. Yet, for many young people, the challenge lies not in the lack of interest but in the absence of practical skills, mentorship, and market access.
WORUDET, in partnership with AVSI, is bridging this gap through a two-year project designed to build the skills of youth aged 18 to 30 in horticulture, poultry, and apiculture enterprises. The initiative embraces the “earn as you learn” model, an approach that allows participants to gain hands-on experience while generating income.
The project’s vision is to contribute to increased agricultural skill levels and meaningful youth employment in the agricultural sector. It seeks to cultivate a generation of agripreneurs who view agriculture not merely as subsistence but as a viable, profitable, and dignified career. As Booker T. Washington once said, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” This project embodies that spirit, empowering youth to overcome barriers and build futures rooted in skill, innovation, and resilience.
WORUDET’s focus under this initiative includes promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving household incomes, and diversifying livelihoods. The project builds the capacity of out-of-school youth through Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) assessment and certification, ensuring that their skills are formally recognized. It also links young agripreneurs to reliable market sources for their products and fosters partnerships with local government structures and development stakeholders at both regional and grassroots levels.
Out of the 250 youth enrolled in various enterprises, 237 have already been assessed by DIT at levels one and two—a testament to the program’s commitment to quality and measurable outcomes. Following their training, participants are projected to earn over 500,000 Ugandan shillings within the first three months of enterprise operation. Recent follow-ups reveal that many are already achieving this milestone, transforming their lives and communities in the process. Beyond technical skills, the gender and life skills training integrated into the program has shaped participants into more confident, responsible, and socially aware individuals.
This initiative is more than a training program, it is a movement toward youth-led agricultural transformation. By equipping young people with practical skills, market connections, and entrepreneurial confidence, WORUDET and AVSI are cultivating a future where youth are not job seekers but job creators. As the African proverb reminds us, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” Through agripreneurship, Uganda’s youth are planting the seeds of prosperity today—for themselves, their families, and their nation.
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