Youth Empowerment and Development in Commercial Agriculture (YEDCA) Project

Overview:

AgroFResh Uganda, under the leadership of Executive Director Laban Musinguzi, launched the Youth Empowerment and Development in Commercial Agriculture (YEDCA) initiative in Nakawa, Kampala. This project targets urban youth, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in commercial agriculture, thereby reducing unemployment and fostering economic resilience.

Key Activities:

• Training Workshops: Hands-on sessions in modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, and value addition.
• Urban Farming Advocacy: Promoting innovative practices like vertical farming, hydroponics, and container gardening to suit limited urban spaces.
• Mentorship & Networking: Connecting youth with successful agripreneurs and markets to sustain their ventures.
• Startup Support: Providing seedlings, tools, and microloans to kickstart youth-led agribusinesses.
  

Impact:

• Over 500 youth trained in its first year, with 30% establishing profitable urban farms.
• Increased awareness of agriculture as a viable career path among Kampala’s youth.

Quote from Laban Musinguzi:
“We’re bridging the gap between unemployment and opportunity by proving that agriculture isn’t just rural—it’s the future of smart, urban livelihoods.”