Stories
July 18, 2025 • 4 min read
In Bipongo Village of the Kitgum District, Northern Uganda, the Future Masters Youth Group is making a significant impact. Among its members is Cosmas Adyebo, who has steadily built his livelihood with the support of the Markets for Youth programme. Through this partnership, Coasmas has expanded his knowledge base and skill set, forging his own path toward success in agriculture.
The Future Masters Youth Group
In rural areas of Uganda, such as the Kitgum District’s Bipongo Village, farming can be an unreliable source of income, and formal jobs are scarce. However, the Future Masters initiative has provided essential agricultural training to young people in Bipongo, helping them overcome challenges and plan for a brighter future.
One such individual is Cosmas Adyebo, a member of the Future Masters Youth Group supported by GOAL. Coming from a background in small-scale farming, Cosmas had the ambition and drive to succeed in agriculture but lacked the necessary support and guidance.
Joining the Future Masters Youth Group was a turning point for Cosmas. The training provided through this programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, allowed him to test new ideas, adapt to challenges, and plan for a sustainable future. Cosmas has since made significant strides in building a sustainable livelihood, demonstrating the impact of targeted support and training.
Growth Through Partnership
From its beginnings as a small savings circle, Future Masters Youth Group has developed into a structured association of 30 members, owing to the support of GOAL Uganda’s Markets for Youth programme, funded by Mastercard Foundation, and partners such as Multi-Community Business Development Initiative (MUCOBADI), 49ers Farms Ltd, and Nile Forestry. Together, they run a savings scheme, cultivate a group farm, and receive ongoing training in agronomy and financial literacy. For Cosmas, this support has been transformative.
Learning Through Participation
Before Future Masters, Cosmas had some knowledge of small-scale farming, thanks to his family background. However, it was the group’s agribusiness training, especially from partners like 49ers and Mabeere, that opened his eyes to new, innovative approaches. With newfound inspiration, he began renting land in the nearby village of Lukome, where he planted maize using DK 777 variety seeds, recommended by the group.
“The seeds germinated well,” he recalled, “but I struggled with gap filling and weeding,” said Cosmas.
Despite his efforts, the harvest was modest due to cost-cutting measures that compromised on weeding and the amount of seed. He collected just three sacks, far lower than his expectations. But the result did not discourage Cosmas.
Cosmas didn’t view this as a failure but rather as an opportunity to improve. He used part of the yield to feed his family and sold the rest locally. More importantly, he took away lessons that would shape his next season: the importance of thorough weeding, optimal planting density, and proper planning.
Diversifying to Thrive
Cosmas began to explore other ventures to support his family. He began to boil and sell eggs, purchasing them in bulk and reselling them to the community. Later, he started selling a value-added groundnut product, packaging roasted and flavoured groundnuts in small quantities. For Cosmas, these small steps made a significant difference. They help him purchase inputs, feed his household, and contribute to his savings group. “It’s not always easy,” he admitted, “but every bit counts.”
The Power of Community
The Future Masters Youth Group has been a critical source of support. Through their Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), members contribute weekly and can access small loans when needed. The group meets regularly to review loans, share updates, and explore new ideas and opportunities.
Cosmas values the group. He has seen how it helps others, such as Anek Jackline, invest in livestock, and how Nyeko Dennis turned to soybean farming after the training. “When we see others succeed, it pushes us to keep going,” he said.
He also benefits from the peer learning environment. Sharing experiences about pest management, planting schedules, and market prices helps members avoid repeated mistakes.
The group also serves as a hub for knowledge sharing, where members discuss pest control, planting schedules, and market prices, as well as lessons that save time, money, and effort.
Looking to the Future
With the support of the Markets for Youth programme, Cosmas is already planning to plant next season. He hopes to try soybeans this time, focusing on correcting his past mistakes by improving spacing, timely planting, and weeding. He also wants to expand his groundnut business and experiment with vegetable growing on a smaller plot near his home. His goal is to increase food production for his household, earn a stable income, and grow his savings. He also hopes to invest in a poultry business in the future.
“You don’t need to make it big at once,” he said. “Just make sure you’re moving.”
Learn more about the Markets for Youth programme.
