YPARD Uganda Farm Day Out: Learning, Empowering, and Building the Future of Agriculture

YPARD Uganda's first Farm Day Out and Agribusiness training, held on March 23rd, 2024, at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) farm, marked a significant step towards empowering Ugandan youth in agriculture.  This exciting event, themed "Farming as a Business for Youth," brought together over 30 YPARD members, along with three children and two experienced individuals (over 50 years old) who provided support to some members. The day unfolded with three key activities that instilled valuable learnings and fostered a spirit of collaboration among participants.

1. Learning Through Enterprise Visits

Participants embarked on a journey through various agricultural enterprises, gaining practical knowledge and insights into successful farming practices.  They explored key areas like:

• Piggery: Participants learned about efficient pig rearing methods, gaining valuable insights into breeding, housing, and feed management.
• Poultry: From proper brooding techniques to effective disease control, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of poultry farming.
• Livestock: Experts shared knowledge on responsible livestock management, encompassing breeds, feeding strategies, and healthcare practices.
• Aquaculture: Participants delved into the world of fish farming, learning about pond management, stocking techniques, and harvesting methods.
• Aquaponics: This innovative technique of combining fish and vegetable farming in a closed system piqued the interest of participants, who learned about its potential for sustainable food production.
• Vermiculture: The art of worm composting was explored, highlighting its role in creating nutrient-rich fertilizer for organic farming.
• Dairy Farming: Participants gained insights into dairy cattle breeds, milking techniques, and milk processing methods.
• Urban Farming: The potential of urban agriculture for producing fresh food within city limits was explored, inspiring participants with its space-saving techniques.
  

2. Stories and Inspiration

A pivotal moment arrived when a key YPARD member, a beneficiary of the Roddenberry Foundation's funding, shared her inspiring journey.  Her success story, detailing the establishment of her company, Echo life ltd., served as a powerful motivator for aspiring young agri-preneurs.

Witnessing her achievements instilled a sense of belief and determination amongst the participants. Additionally, Several participants were thrilled about what they had learned and expressed their gratitude to the YPARD Uganda Leadership for giving the such life changing opportunities

3. Building Teams and Empowering Youth

The Farm Day Out wasn't just about acquiring knowledge; it was also about fostering collaboration and building a strong network.  Organized with the support of the Roddenberry Foundation and partnering with KCCA, the event prioritized team building activities designed to strengthen relationships and encourage collaboration amongst YPARD members.  These activities not only fostered a sense of camaraderie but also created a platform for knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer learning.

You can watch a short video on what young people who took part in the Farm Day Out said about the event here.

Special thanks: YPARD Uganda extends its heartfelt gratitude to the country representatives and executive committee members for their unwavering dedication and support in making this event a resounding success. The Farm Day Out serves as a stepping stone towards YPARD Uganda's continued efforts to empower Ugandan youth in agriculture and contribute to building sustainable food systems for the nation.

To support YPARD Uganda's work and to collaborate with them, please reach out to them at yparduganda@gmail.com

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