Event Report - THE 25th SOURCE OF THE NILE NATIONAL AGRICULTURE SHOW

The 25th Source of the Nile National Agriculture show “Managing the challenges of climate change for sustainable agriculture” Venue: Jinja grounds, Jinja District | 17 th – 22nd July 2017

SKY

Themed “Managing the challenges of climate change for sustainable agriculture”, the show was hosted by Uganda National Farmer’s Federation (UNFEE) and organized by Uganda Agribusiness Alliance (UAA).

More than 400 exhibitors from within Uganda and neighboring countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda participated.

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Today, I had the opportunity to learn about the different vegetable varieties: this will assist me in my planned horticulture business - Nancy, a SKY youth trainee at AGROMAX. AVSI Foundation through its projects Sustainable Comprehensive Responses for vulnerable children and their families (SCORE), Skilling Youth for Employment in Agribusiness (SKY) and ENVIROFIT that promotes clean energy, participated in the Jinja show.

Main objectives of the agricultural show: • To expose farmers and other stakeholders to improved technologies, innovations and best practices.

• To create market linkages for Ugandan farmers.

As part of the 2017 Source of the Nile National Agriculture Show, UNFEE and UAA collaborated with a broad array of agriculture value chain supporters aged 14-35 across Uganda. The young people raised awareness of the critical role that Ugandan youth play in providing food and fiber for the world.

Officiated by H.E. Yoweri Museveni, the president advised farmers to embrace modern farming methods to increase production and support food security.

The President also encouraged the local leaders to provide information about modern farming practices to develop farmer skills.

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Government of Uganda is committed to fight climate change and skill youths in modern agricultural practices Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance and Planning.

Themes of the day:

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July 20th - National Agriculture Finance Day The role of government in financing agriculture: “Farmers, if organized, can become policy makers Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance and Planning.

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July 21st - Coffee Day Coffee value-chain promotion: NUCAFE a partner of the SKY project, Uganda Coffee Development Authority and National Agricultural Research Organization provided farmers with information on coffee growing, tasting and coffee value addition.

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July 22 nd - Youth4Agribusiness Day Agriculture and the youth: 100+ youth accessed agri-talks, debates, and listened to inspirational stories from their peers who are succeeding in agriculture.

Over 100 youth-centric exhibitions were presented. The youth also received exposure to modern technologies and leveraged on the exhibiting companies for networking and agri-career opportunities.

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AVSI Foundation is responding to supplement government efforts to equip the youth with employable skills in agriculture - Hon. Vincent Ssempijja, Minister of Agriculture, Animal husbandry and Industry [after visiting the AVSI stall].

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We believe that agriculture presents a great opportunity for the youth, and can largely contribute to the economy: this is why AVSI is creating opportunities for young people through the Skilling Youth for Employment in Agribusiness project - John Makoha, AVSI Foundation Country Representative.

Recommendations: • Promote youth engagement in agriculture.

• Farmers should embrace modern farming practices for increased production.

• Organize farmers in groups so that they are able to access financing and larger markets.

For Program Information: Samuele Otim Rizzo, Chief of Party, SKY, tel. +256 772867935 email: samuele.rizzo@avsi.org For Partnership Opportunities: John Makoha, Country Representative, AVSI Uganda, email: john.makoha@avsi.org www.avsi.org