By Wilfred Sanya
The youth have been urged to invest in the agricultural sector as a way of revamping Uganda’s economy which is based on agriculture.
Commissioner for Youth and Children Affairs, Mondo Kyateka implored the youth to participate in the commercial agriculture as a way of tapping revenue to boost the economy.
“We should not engage in the old type of agriculture of our fore fathers today. We need to engage in irrigation farming. We should discouraged the youth who sell off the land in villages to run to urban centres to buy boda-bodas as a way of earning quick money”, Mondo said.
He was presiding over the launch of the Youth in Agriculture Forum (YIAF) funded by Action aid Uganda under the theme “Exploiting the power of the youth to revamp the agriculture sector”.
He urged the youth to invest in agribusiness and also engage in commercial farming by adding value to their produce.
Mondo noted that most of the people who have excelled in life have made it through by having a plan and a vision during their youth time.
The Executive Director Hunger Fighters Uganda, Emmanuel Aturinde said that Agriculture is Uganda’s backbone. The Agricultural sector is below the population growth of 3.2 %.The number of people who are food insecure has increased from 12 million in 1992 to 17.7% in 2007 according to Uganda National Bureau of Standards.
Aturinde observed the need for improved access to training and capacity development right from primary education. He added the government should provide technology and information which is crucial at attracting the youth.
“The Government should expedite the process of promulgating the National Agricultural policy with a clear definition to the public and the private sector. It should also increase on the financing the youth agricultural sector. Furthermore the government should improve efficiency on the agricultural spending”, he noted.