Youth engagement for climate-resilient agriculture

In recent years, Uganda has faced erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall, which have harmed the country’s agricultural productivity. In response to these challenges, young farmers and entrepreneurs have turned to climate-resilient agriculture to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Young people are at the forefront of using technology and innovative agricultural practices to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. One notable example is Hassan Ilakut, a young farmer and member of the Popular Knowledge Women’s Initiative Farmer-to-Farmer Cooperative (P’KWI FFC). This organisation promotes youth involvement in agriculture by training farmers in climate-resilient practices and technologies, including improved seed varieties, trench digging, water harvesting, post-harvest handling, and effective fertiliser use. The goal is to enhance food quality, maximise crop yields, and reduce resource consumption.

At just twenty-five years old, Hassan, a husband and father of five from Kachabule village in Bukedea District, has transformed his modest plot of land into a thriving farm, earning him recognition as one of the region's most successful and innovative farmers.

Inspired by his knowledge of climate-resilient agricultural practices, Hassan embarked on a journey to establish his farming operation as a family business. His commitment to these sustainable techniques has not only enhanced his household income but has also laid the foundation for a resilient agribusiness. By implementing innovative approaches, Hassan has made informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertilisation, and pest management, leading to improved quality and increased yields of sunflowers during harvest. In addition to leveraging climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable practices, he can now produce liquid fertilisers from farm waste and organic pesticides for his crops.

Hassan began with sunflower farming and has since expanded to include beekeeping, rabbit rearing, and citrus growing, creating an interdependent farming ecosystem. An initial seed funding from the Climate Resilient Agribusiness for Tomorrow (CRAFT) project through P’KWI FFC enabled him to secure additional funding from Action Aid, which enabled him to construct a solar dryer for fruits and vegetables. He has added value to his citrus farming by packaging sun-dried fruits for sale, resulting in lower post-harvest losses.

In the past, sunflower production was considered a low-priced crop that offered minimal return on investment. However, Hassan has achieved a significant increase in demand for sunflowers due to the intervention of CRAFT. This is largely because sunflowers are valued both for their seeds, which can be processed into cooking oil, and for the seed cake, which is used as animal feed.

Through water harvesting practices, he has improved his access to clean water, impacting his family's lifestyle. Hassan takes pride in being a model farmer, especially for the youth, from whom other farmers can learn sustainable farming practices and technologies that result in bountiful harvests.

For Hassan, farming is now more enjoyable and easier because some practices, such as planting in rows, make it easier for weeding, pest control, and fertilizer application. This is in contrast to the traditional 'broadcasting' method, in which farmers spread seeds across the garden during the planting session without proper spacing, resulting in low yields.

While the challenges posed by climate change are undeniable, Hassan’s proactive approach to adopting climate-resilient agriculture practices and technologies represents a promising path forward.

Young farmers in Uganda are adapting to climate change. They are creating a stronger and more environmentally friendly agriculture sector. These efforts promote farming practices that can withstand climate challenges. They also highlight the need to make agriculture appealing to young people, encouraging inclusivity and sustainability in climate-resilient agriculture.

Looking ahead, Hassan hopes to transform his farm into a learning centre where more people can learn about sustainable agriculture in Kachabule village and work together to address issues such as inadequate infrastructure. He believes that with the right tools, knowledge, and support, Kachabule’s young farmers can break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for themselves and their families.

Hassan’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance, innovation, and community. What began as a small farm on the outskirts of Kachabule has grown into a success story that inspires people in his village and throughout Bukedea District. His example demonstrates that with the right support, the future of agriculture is in the hands of young people, who are more than capable of transforming their communities.

'As a young person, various farmer training and learning visits as part of the knowledge-sharing experience shaped my perspective on agriculture,' he notes. He encourages young people to abandon their negative beliefs that farming is dirty, and stresses the importance of investing in climate-resilient agriculture for sustainability.

Hassan is one of 1,093 youths who have benefited from CRAFT interventions in Uganda.