Supporting Youth Employment

Reliable employment remains a serious challenge in rural Uganda, where the majority of the population relies on low-productivity subsistence farming. While agriculture employs over 70% of rural Ugandans, limited access to markets, land, and financial services keeps most people in poverty, especially women and youth.

Youth unemployment is particularly high, with nearly 4 in 10 young people out of work, education, or training. Many face a mismatch between their skills and the demands of the job market. Women are further disadvantaged by land ownership barriers and underrepresentation in formal employment.

Key contributing factors to unemployment include:

• Limited job opportunities beyond farming

• Low investment in vocational training

• Weak infrastructure and poor market access

• Climate-related shocks affecting agriculture

AZBGC income generating projects promote job creation through agribusiness training, youth empowerment programs, and climate-smart agriculture. By investing in skills and local entrepreneurship, we aim to build pathways to decent and sustainable livelihoods for all.

Current Income Generating Projects

We regularly encourage youth and families to learn hands-on skills and provide entrepreneurship training that build resilience and independence. Below are ongoing income generating projects at AZBGC:

• Farming: Our 5-acre farm, even without direct water access, offers a powerful opportunity to engage youth in sustainable agriculture and improve local food security. With the right support, young people can utilize drought-resistant crops, indigenous livestock, and low-input farming techniques to produce food, and earn an income. The farm is a hands-on training ground for climate-smart agriculture, and allows youth to build practical skills while addressing hunger and unemployment. By investing in youth and land, we are supporting a generation of agricultural leaders who will be able to feed their families and steward the environment for the future.

• Animal Husbandry: Raising goats, pigs, cows, and chickens to support community nutrition and micro-enterprise.

• Event Rentals: Generating income from renting chairs, tents, and tables to support AZBGC operations.

• AZ Village Tours: Offers immersive cultural and eco-tourism experiences, supporting local economic growth and sustainability.