Charlene Ruto, the daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, has called for greater youth participation in agriculture during her recent visit to Uganda’s renowned Abja Farms. The visit, which took place earlier this week, aimed to highlight the critical role that young people can play in transforming the agricultural sector across East Africa. Ruto’s visit comes at a time when both Uganda and Kenya are looking to address food security challenges and boost agricultural productivity.
Abja Farms, known for its innovative farming techniques and focus on sustainable agriculture, provided the perfect backdrop for Ruto’s remarks on youth empowerment and agricultural development. The farm has become a symbol of how modern agricultural practices can be integrated into the economy to not only feed the population but also generate employment opportunities and drive economic growth.
In her speech at Abja Farms, Ruto emphasized the untapped potential of young people in the agricultural sector. She noted that, despite agriculture being the backbone of many African economies, it is often viewed as a sector for the older generation, with the youth largely absent from it. She pointed out that encouraging young people to take an active role in farming and agribusiness is essential for securing the future of food production and creating sustainable livelihoods.
The future of agriculture lies in the hands of our youth, Ruto said. It is time to shift the narrative around farming. Agriculture is not just about tilling the land; it is about innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. We must create an environment where young people see agriculture as a viable and profitable career path.
Ruto’s visit to Abja Farms focused on showcasing how modern technology and sustainable practices can revolutionize farming, making it not only environmentally friendly but also economically lucrative for young entrepreneurs. She encouraged the youth to embrace agricultural innovation, from modern irrigation systems to precision farming and agro-processing, as key elements in transforming the sector.
Abja Farms, located in Uganda’s central region, has long been recognized for its commitment to sustainable and innovative agricultural practices. The farm specializes in crop production, livestock management, and agro-processing, and has developed a reputation for successfully integrating technology with traditional farming methods. This approach has allowed Abja Farms to not only increase production efficiency but also reduce environmental impact.
During her visit, Ruto was given a tour of the farm’s facilities, where she saw firsthand how young Ugandans are actively engaged in different aspects of farming, from managing livestock to implementing modern farming technologies. The farm’s efforts to create a youth-friendly environment by offering training programs, mentorship, and funding for agricultural startups were particularly highlighted.
I am impressed by what I have seen here at Abja Farms, Ruto said. It is clear that youth involvement in agriculture can be a game-changer. With the right support, young people can bring new ideas, innovations, and energy to the sector, helping to overcome some of the challenges we face in food production, supply chains, and job creation.
Ruto’s message was not only directed at young people but also aimed at policymakers in both Uganda and Kenya. She stressed the need for governments to create an enabling environment for young people to enter and thrive in agriculture. This, she said, includes investing in agricultural education, offering financial incentives, improving access to land, and providing better market access for young farmers.
It is crucial that we put in place policies that support youth-led agricultural enterprises. Access to finance remains one of the biggest hurdles for young entrepreneurs in the sector. We need to create funding mechanisms and platforms that allow young people to access capital easily, Ruto added.
She also advocated for stronger regional cooperation in promoting youth-driven agricultural initiatives. East Africa, with its shared agricultural challenges and opportunities, could benefit from coordinated efforts to develop young farmers and agribusinesses across borders.
Uganda has been making strides in recent years to encourage youth involvement in agriculture. The Ugandan government has launched various programs aimed at promoting agribusiness and creating opportunities for young people in the sector. These include agricultural training programs, initiatives that connect young farmers to markets, and policies that promote sustainable farming practices.
However, challenges remain. Despite these efforts, many young Ugandans still view farming as an unattractive option, primarily due to outdated farming practices, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to capital. Ruto’s visit highlights the need for continued investment and support to ensure that agriculture becomes an attractive and viable career choice for the youth.
Ruto also underscored the role of agriculture in addressing food insecurity in East Africa, a region that has faced recurrent droughts, flooding, and other climate-related challenges in recent years. With the population growing rapidly, agriculture is more crucial than ever to ensure food security and sustainable development in the region.
Young people have the creativity and drive to tackle food security challenges head-on. By embracing agricultural entrepreneurship, they can contribute to solving some of the most pressing issues facing the region, from food shortages to rising poverty levels, Ruto said.
Her visit to Abja Farms was not only a call to action but also an opportunity to raise awareness about the role of agriculture in fostering economic growth, job creation, and sustainability in East Africa. Ruto’s leadership and advocacy for youth involvement in agriculture could potentially help reshape the agricultural landscape in Uganda and beyond.
Charlene Ruto’s visit to Abja Farms in Uganda has ignited important conversations about the future of agriculture in East Africa. By pushing for greater youth involvement, Ruto is helping to foster a new generation of farmers and agribusiness leaders who will be key to the region’s economic recovery and growth.
With continued investment, policy reforms, and mentorship opportunities, agriculture can become a pillar of success for the youth in East Africa. The call for greater youth participation in agriculture is not only a strategy for economic growth but also an essential step toward ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and improved livelihoods for the next generation.
