Poverty remains a challenge in Uganda, especially for young people and women. It hinders their increased participation and income generation in crucial sectors like agriculture, which greatly contributes to the national economy. Climate-related risks such as droughts and floods, and their negative impacts on soil fertility, further exacerbate the situation.
The project supports young mothers, young women and men in acquiring knowledge and skills that address climate-related challenges which further deteriorate their employability and income. This includes helping them set up their own eco-friendly micro and small agriculture businesses through the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills, and climate-resilient innovations and technologies. Additionally, the project will enable young mothers, young women, and men to access affordable and appropriate finance as a catalyst for their businesses’ growth.
The project provides tailored advisory services and access to climate-resilient solutions to secure income and nutrition through diversification. This includes measures to improve soil quality, the use of compost, and the sustainable management of ecosystems.
The project supports small and medium-sized enterprises in implementing inclusive business models that particularly benefit young people and women. These models improve supply chains, increase revenues, and offer climate-resilient products and services. Young women are specifically supported through gender-inclusive enterprises, women-focused business models, and financial services tailored to their needs.
The project follows the Inclusive Systems Development Approach, which holistically analyses market constraints. Its goal is to empower businesses to profitably offer climate-friendly solutions, create new market segments, and collaborate with authorities to foster an environment conducive to sustainable business growth.
This project is financed by Linsi Foundation, Happel Foundation, Canton of Aargau, Canton of Basel-Landschaft and Charitable Fund of the Canton of Zurich, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.