Ugandan growers and Agricycle have announced a partnership for growers to access global markets through Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).
In excess of 9,400 young Ugandan growers are set to benefit from the new partnership which include a five-year project, “Global Agricultural Market Linkage for Youth and Young Mothers” (Gamlym) that will build new local markets for at least two local youth-led companies. The project will also connect at least eight youth-led companies to global markets through high-level strategic partnerships.
Food losses
The Sh 6 billion (€1.44 mln) partnership is in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, as part of its Young Africa Works–Enhancing Lead Firm Structure for Youth Employment in Uganda initiative. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that food losses in sub-Saharan Africa amount to $4 billion annually. The majority of food loss happens between harvest and the point of sale, with less waste by consumers after purchase.
The UBOS estimates that about 70% of Uganda’s working population is employed in agriculture. Uganda produces a wide range of agricutural products including: coffee, tea, sugar, livestock, fish, edible oils, cotton, tobacco, plantains, corn, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, cassava, millet, sorghum, and groundnuts.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Uganda’s fertile agricultural land has the potential to feed 200 million people. 80% of Uganda’s land is arable but only 35% is being cultivated. In fiscal year 2018/2019, agriculture accounted for about 22% of GDP, and 34% of export earnings.
