Overview

Uganda’s economic backbone is its agricultural sector, which employs 70 percent of the workforce and accounts for a quarter of the gross domestic product. Despite rich soil throughout the country, farming is plagued by inefficiencies and low output due to outdated farming techniques and a lack of access to modern technology.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Uganda’s fertile land has the potential to feed 200 million people (four times the country’s population), yet only 35 percent of arable land is being cultivated. Agricultural hurdles are compounded by environmental challenges, including recurring floods and severe droughts.

Most of Uganda’s population under 30 works in the informal sector, a situation aggravated by a disconnect between the capacities of the educational system and the job market’s needs. The nation’s economic stability is further compromised by inflation, which has impacted the cost of living. Although Uganda enjoys relative political stability and some signs of economic recovery, the poverty rate is expected to hold fairly steady in the near term, inching down from 41 percent in 2024 to 40 percent by 2026. The success of poverty reduction efforts will depend on improvements in food security, a more affordable cost of living and adaptation to climate and environmental changes.

Heifer Uganda is committed to transforming the lives of 400,000 smallholder farmers — 60 percent of whom will be women — by 2030 through the inclusive development of value chains in which these farmers have the potential to earn more income. We aim to enhance farmers’ competitiveness and build their climate resilience by facilitating access to renewable energy sources such as solar power, finance, extension services, information, insurance and mechanization. We also work with women farmers to earn a living income in agriculture, and we support young agrientrepreneurs who are driving innovation in farming.

At the heart of our efforts is our community-led development approach, which encourages collaborative problem-solving and collective action within farming communities. This strengthens social capital, laying the groundwork for local investment in programs’ success and sustained progress through time. Combined, these initiatives contribute to economic stability, job creation and increased food security, helping to position agriculture as a cornerstone of Uganda’s future.

Our primary objective is helping families achieve a sustainable living income, our measure for the amount of money required for a decent life — including safe shelter, nutritious food, clothing, education and health care — while also reaching additional benchmarks for economic and climate resilience.

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