Season after season, his efforts earned him just enough to keep going. It was enough to survive, but never enough to grow. Beneath his quiet determination was a deeper desire: to give his children a better life, farm with dignity, and take pride in the work he loved. But hope alone could not change his circumstances.
In November 2025, after hearing announcements about the initiative in his community, Sharifu joined the WeWork Green and Decent Jobs for Youth project, led by Swisscontact in partnership with Trafford Export Commodities co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Belgium through Enabel. What seemed like a small step at the time became a defining turning point in his life.
Through the project, Sharifu was introduced to farming as a business, one with purpose, structure, and real potential. Interested in watermelon production, he received a 60 percent subsidised farmer input kit and practical training in seed selection, land preparation, and Good Agricultural Practices.
At the community demonstration garden, he did not only observe, he learned by doing. He discovered new techniques, gained confidence, and began to see the land differently. More importantly, he was connected to a reliable market, Trafford Exports Commodities. For the first time, he did not have to chase buyers. The market was ready for him.
On just half an acre, Sharifu invested UGX 1,160,000 (CHF 256.25) in inputs. Watermelons take about 3 months from planting to maturity, allowing farmers to earn income within a relatively short period. From his first production cycle, Sharifu harvested and sold his crop, earning UGX 2,408,000 ( CHF 531.95) and generating a net profit of UGX 1,248,000 (CHF 275.69)
With proper crop management, he can grow and harvest watermelons up to three times a year, making the enterprise a reliable source of regular income. The value of what he gained went far beyond money.
That harvest did more than pay school fees for his two children. It brought pride. It brought belief. Sharifu saw farming not as an obligation, but as a path to prosperity.
His success, however, did not come without challenges. Excessive rainfall damaged some of his fruits, fruit flies affected production at a critical stage, and access to mulch remained difficult. Yet Sharifu did not give up.
He persevered through these setbacks and stayed committed to improving his farm. He believes that continued technical support, especially during the flowering and fruit development stages, helped him better protect his crops and increase productivity.
Sharifu’s transformation is one of many being written across Uganda through the WeWork Green and Decent Jobs for Youth project. This initiative aims to create sustainable employment for 1,800 young women and men by unlocking opportunities in Uganda’s horticulture sector. It does this by helping youth access inputs, markets, skills, and mentorship, while promoting climate-smart agriculture and green jobs.
The WeWork – Green and Decent Jobs for Youth project is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Belgium through Enabel.