Smart Farming Transforms Youth Livelihoods in Uganda’s Moroto District

Farming in a Harsh Climate

For many years, the dry and rocky landscape of Moroto District in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region made farming a struggle. Prolonged dry seasons and scarce water sources meant that most households had little to harvest, forcing many young people to migrate or depend on casual labour to survive.

But things are changing. Through GOAL Uganda’s Markets for Youth Programme, young people are learning to see opportunity where once there was only challenge. Among them is the Lolem Youth Group in Nachele Village, Katikekile Sub-County, which was formed in 2023 as a sub-group of Musas PELA, with support from Goodie Leisure.

Youth leader James Lomago, one of the first trainees under the programme, learned about modern agronomic practices, financial literacy, and business development. “The training opened our eyes,” Lomago said. “We realised farming can be profitable if we use the right methods and work together.”

Motivated by what he learned, Lomago mobilised 15 young people, 10 women and five men to start a vegetable farming group. With support from their community, they secured one acre of land. They approached the nearby Apostles of Jesus Minor Seminary for access to water to support irrigation during the dry season.

Smart Farming for Sustainable Income

Pooling their limited resources, each member contributed UGX 50,000 (approximately € 12.34) to purchase seeds for tomatoes, cabbage, spinach, onions, eggplant, and other vegetables. Every member was assigned a personal 20×20 meter plot, allowing them to work independently while sharing irrigation and farming tools.

To secure reliable water access, the group purchased pipes, a sprinkler, and construction materials to channel water from the seminary, nearly 500 meters away, to their fields. The system has transformed their productivity, allowing them to grow crops throughout the year.

“Before, we thought farming had to stop when the rains ended,” Lomago shared. “Now, we farm in every season.”

Growing Income and Building Futures

Under the guidance of Goodie Leisure, the group introduced cowpea leaves, a nutritious and drought-resistant crop that can be harvested every three weeks. Their staggered planting schedule ensures a continuous income throughout the dry season, with each member earning at least UGX 30,000 (approximately €7.40) weekly.

Beyond farming, the group established a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA). Members save a minimum of UGX 2,000 (€0.49) per week and can borrow at a 10% interest rate to fund small businesses or meet household needs. The VSLA also serves as a social safety net, providing support during life events such as births, weddings, and bereavements.

Among the success stories is Codet Santina, a single mother who joined the group in late 2024 after years of relying on casual work. “What attracted me was how committed everyone was, and how much they earned from small plots,” she said.

Today, Santina manages three garden blocks, earning a regular income from weekly harvests. She hires labourers for UGX 3,000 (€0.74) per day to help prepare her garden while she sells produce in the market. Her earnings now cover essential household expenses and school fees for her two children. “One of my children is in Primary Six, and the other just finished Primary Seven,” she said proudly. “Through farming, I’m confident I can take them to secondary school.”

Santina also plans to involve her 14-year-old son in the group to ensure their family continues to thrive.

Through innovation, collaboration, and dedication, the young farmers of Lolem Youth Group are proving that sustainable agriculture can flourish even in Uganda’s driest regions.