Youth Empowerment Program (YEP)
Strategic Objective: To influence the mindsets of the youths in Uganda towards Agriculture as a viable livelihood option.
Background
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Youth and Agriculture in Uganda
Agriculture is a key sector in Uganda, employing around 65% of the workforce, with youth making up 63% of this demographic. Despite this, youth unemployment remains a significant issue, with many in precarious jobs lacking decision-making power and financial independence.
Challenges Faced by Youth in Agriculture
Youth face several obstacles, including limited access to land, finance, and water, as well as low agricultural productivity due to inadequate knowledge and skills. Many engage in environmentally detrimental practices and experience high dropout rates without acquiring practical life skills.
AFIRD’s Youth Interventions
Since 2006, AFIRD has implemented various hands-on projects to equip youth with ecological farming skills through initiatives like the Nutrition Project, Youth Scholarship Project, Permaculture Project, and Sustainable Agriculture Training. These programs, conducted in Mukono, Wakiso, and Mpigi districts, empower youth with sustainable farming techniques and economic opportunities.
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Implementation Strategy
YEP will tackle the challenges by collaborating with key stakeholders, including teachers, local leaders, and prison officers, and engaging with institutions such as schools and refugee camps. The program will utilize Permaculture, Integrated Land Use Development (ILUD), and restorative practices to support youth.
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Key Result Areas and Interventions
Establishing Potent Examples of Ecological Land Use
Challenges include a lack of sustainable agricultural practice demonstrations and awareness of permaculture. Proposed solutions involve creating permaculture demonstration sites in various community settings and utilizing ICT to enhance agricultural extension services.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Youth in Prisons
Inmates often lack agricultural skills and face challenges in reintegration. YEP proposes training inmates in permaculture and business skills, supporting community demonstrations of their skills, and conducting counseling sessions for effective reintegration.
Promoting Income-Generating Enterprises for Youth
Youth struggle with business knowledge and access to capital. Interventions include training in green entrepreneurship, coaching on business planning, and improving market linkages for youth-led enterprises, alongside strengthening participation in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation (WASH) Interventions
Challenges in WASH include poor access to clean water and sanitation. YEP, will promote climate-resilient water harvesting, hygiene best practices, waste management initiatives, and incorporate HIV/AIDS awareness in WASH programs.
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Key Result Areas and Interventions
Establishing Potent Examples of Ecological Land Use
Challenges include a lack of sustainable agricultural practice demonstrations and awareness of permaculture. Proposed solutions involve creating permaculture demonstration sites in various community settings and utilizing ICT to enhance agricultural extension services.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Youth in Prisons
Inmates often lack agricultural skills and face challenges in reintegration. YEP proposes training inmates in permaculture and business skills, supporting community demonstrations of their skills, and conducting counseling sessions for effective reintegration.
Promoting Income-Generating Enterprises for Youth
Youth struggle with business knowledge and access to capital. Interventions include training in green entrepreneurship, coaching on business planning, and improving market linkages for youth-led enterprises, alongside strengthening participation in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation (WASH) Interventions
Challenges in WASH include poor access to clean water and sanitation. YEP, will promote climate-resilient water harvesting, hygiene best practices, waste management initiatives, and incorporate HIV/AIDS awareness in WASH programs.
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Implementation Approach
Farmer-Led Training and Capacity Building
The program will use a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) model for training youth in sustainable farming and establish demonstration sites in critical institutions while leveraging ICT for knowledge sharing.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
YEP will collaborate with schools, NGOs, and government agencies to facilitate mentorship programs and enhance community engagement.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
Regular baseline and impact assessments will be conducted, employing ICT tools for participatory monitoring and involving youth in evaluation processes.
Performance Indicators
Key indicators include the growth of youth-led agribusinesses, a reduction in youth unemployment in agriculture, improved financial literacy, and enhanced access to WASH facilities.
Conclusion
The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) aims to equip young people with practical agricultural skills, nurture entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable livelihoods. By leveraging training, ICT, and partnerships, AFIRD intends to transform youth engagement in agriculture into a viable career path.
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