Heifer International and the Mastercard Foundation are jointly launching the Stimulating Agriculture for Youth Employment (SAYE) project, aiming to extend agribusiness opportunities to over 250,000 young individuals in the Busoga sub-region of Eastern Uganda from 2023 to 2029.
Surita Sandosham, President and CEO of Heifer International, states the project’s core objective: “To transform the market ecosystem in Busoga, fostering inclusion and economic resilience for young people aged 16 to 35, who face challenges in securing dignified employment.”
The $48 million SAYE project builds on the success of the East Africa Youth Inclusion Program (EAYIP), a prior collaboration between Heifer International and the Mastercard Foundation.
Under SAYE, Heifer International will establish youth- and farmer-led agri-hubs, while local partners focus on business incubation, skills training, and improving access to financial services.
The project targets 11 districts in the Busoga sub-region, aiming to alleviate poverty stemming from an overreliance on low-value crops and limited income-generating opportunities. SAYE will concentrate on sectors with low entry barriers for young people and high market potential, emphasizing inclusivity by ensuring 70 percent participation from young women and three percent from young persons with disabilities.
Adrian Bukenya, Country Director for Uganda at the Mastercard Foundation, affirms their commitment: “Our goal is to enable 4.3 million Ugandan youth, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.”
SAYE will focus on diversifying value chains, integrating tech solutions, and adopting climate-smart agriculture. These measures, in collaboration with various partners and private sector engagement, aim to provide sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.
Heifer International’s history in Uganda dates back to 1982 when it delivered cattle to rural communities. Currently active in 19 districts, Heifer Uganda has supported over 6 million families through agriculture and environmentally-sound economic development programs.
Photo (Heifer International Kenya via LinkedIn)
By: Montel Kamau
Serrari Financial Analyst
19th November, 2023
