SAYE Project transforms youth in Busoga through Agribusiness training

Busoga, Uganda: Youths across Busoga sub-region have applauded the Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Empowerment (SAYE) project spearheaded by Heifer International and Mastercard Foundation, saying the training and support have transformed them into productive citizens engaged in agribusiness enterprises.

Beneficiaries revealed that through skills development, access to improved inputs, and market opportunities, they have embraced ventures such as goat rearing, soya bean growing, tomato production, and juice processing, initiatives that are now sustaining their families and communities.

In Bugiri district, the Nankoma Youth Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, comprising 12 groups with over 290 members, adopted improved soya bean farming on 36 acres.

According to production officer Byaruhanga Muhammad Balaba, SAYE’s intervention enabled them to shift from scattered small-scale farming into a cooperative model.

“They mobilized us, trained us, and gave us seeds. We planted 36 acres of improved soya beans and expect to supply both seed and grain to local farmers. This has created jobs and changed our mindset towards agriculture,” Byaruhanga said.

Nanfumo Annet, a cooperative member, said their courage comes from the mentorship of SAYE and Heifer. “We anticipate at least Shs1.8 million from each acre after spending about Shs800,000 in inputs. This gives us both profit and sustainability,” she noted.

In Iganga district, members of Nawangaiza II Twezimbe Youth Farmers Group commended SAYE for supporting their tomato project on 4.5 acres. Chairperson Wembawo Ashiraf explained that their 25-member group was established in December 2024 after training and provision of inputs.

“We now expect Shs30 million per acre from tomato production. SAYE guided us to form savings groups, and we plan to venture into tomato sauce processing for value addition,” Wembawo said.

In Luuka district, Tukolere Walala group embraced goat rearing, receiving 14 goats distributed among host farmers. Chairperson Kasango Salafah explained that every member will eventually own goats through a pass-on system, though they still face challenges of animal diseases.

Mr. Ntakure Patrick, a group member, said the training modernized their methods. “We can now rear improved breeds instead of the local ones we used to keep,” he noted.

In Jinja, Hikyu Enterprises, led by Nakitende Zurah, has tapped into juice processing. With SAYE’s startup capital, the group launched its mango juice line, producing 20,000 litres in April. “I had an idea, but SAYE gave us the capital and training to actualize it,” Nakitende said.

Project Manager John Ssenyonga revealed that SAYE, a five-year initiative, targets 250,000 youths in Busoga. “So far, 63,000 youths have been reached in just one year. Out of these, 38,000 have started working and earning,” Ssenyonga said.