Program: Inclusive Market Participation
Specific Objectives
- Increased income from decent employment opportunities in diversified on-farm and non-farm labour markets.
Poverty is high in Uganda. Over 52% of the population lives on less than US$2.5 per day. Many families grow are employed in subsistence agriculture producing traditional, low-value crops with minimal diversification and value addition necessary for climate resilience and market competitiveness. High post-harvest coupled with lack of organized producer groups weakens smallholders’ market position and returns. Youth are also underemployed/hustling in informal microenterprises mainly in agriculture and services sectors with dismal income, insecure jobs, and limited hope for the future. The burgeoning family-owned microenterprises face a myriad of enterprise growth constraints ranging from survival mindset, limited relevant skills, business finance, and markets.
To address these challenges and increase family income, we focus on market-driven income diversification through climate-smart agribusiness and youth [up]skilling. We conduct viability assessments for enterprises and labour markets, prioritize strategic commodities, and provide technical training, value addition, insurance, and cooperative growth support. Partnerships are formed with private sector enterprises (PSEs) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. Youths receive non-formal vocational training, certified by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) and Uganda Business and Technical Examination Board (UBTEB), and business start-up inputs along with market linkages and business development services (registration, branding, packaging, and promotion). We also address mindset change through skills training in group dynamics, entrepreneurship, life skills, financial literacy, and literacy and numeracy.