Heifer International joined forces with Canadian charity, Mastercard Foundation to expand access to agribusiness opportunities for more 250,000 youth in Uganda
Heifer-led project ‘The Stimulating Agriculture for Youth Employment (SAYE)’ which will run from 2023 to 2029 in nine districts of the eastern Uganda’s Busoga sun-region, namely Jinja, Mayuge, Iganga, Kamuli, Kaliro, Namutumba, Bugweri, Luka, Buyende, Bugiri, Namayengo. SAYE aims to empower young people aged 16 to 35 by improving skills, expanding market access and offering inclusive financing in key sectors including poultry, horticulture, oilseed, dairy and beef value chains. Moreover, the project will also focus on diversifying value chains, embracing tech solutions, and adopting climate-smart agriculture.
"Our goal is to transform the market ecosystem in Busoga in a way that drives inclusion and economic resilience for the many young people who currently have trouble securing dignified and fulfilling work," said Heifer International president and CEO, Surita Sandosham.
Mastercard Foundation’s country director for Uganda, Adrian Bukenya emphasised on the charity’s commitment to creating opportunities for the Ugandan youth through the Young Africa Works strategy. He also remarked on their goal to enable 4.3mn 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," Bukenya said.
For more information, visit: www.heifer.org and www.mastercardfdn.org
