Karagwe youth group achieves economic independence through agribusiness

KARAGWE: MEMBERS of YES Group in Karagwe District, Kayanga Ward, Kagera Region, have attained economic independence through the production of natural fertiliser, cooking oil and animal feed after securing a 65m/- loan from Karagwe District Council.

This was revealed yesterday by Karagwe District Council Director, Ms Happiness Msanga, while giving an update on the group’s development since it began its operations in 2021.

Ms Msanga said the youth group was financed to undertake three key economic activities: production of natural fertiliser, sunflower oil processing and animal feed production.

“We started empowering them in phases, and since 2021 they have continued to grow steadily. Today, they are a role model not only to the council but also to the community, as they have managed to meet their personal and family needs while expanding their business,” she said.

She noted that the group started with limited resources but expanded gradually through collaboration with the council.

“They did not start with everything. They began with one activity, and as we worked together, their capacity kept growing.

Karagwe District Council is proud of this group because it proves that empowered youth can successfully engage in productive economic activities,” she added.

Ms Msanga explained that YES Group initially focused on the production of natural fertiliser, an initiative that significantly contributes to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

“Through youth development loans, the group received a 10 percent council loan amounting to 15m/- and an additional 50m/- from the Youth Development Fund (YDF), bringing the total support to 65m/-,” she said.

She added that the group produces natural fertiliser using food waste and other environmentally friendly raw materials. The fertiliser improves soil fertility over a long period, helps retain soil moisture and increases crop yields.

“The fertilizer is suitable for all types of crops and is safe for the land and the environment,” she said.

Apart from fertiliser production, the group is also engaged in sunflower oil processing, animal feed production, value addition to salt minerals and other agribusiness activities.

“These projects have played a major role in changing young people’s negative perceptions of agriculture, helping them see it as a viable and profitable economic opportunity,” she noted.

According to Ms Msanga, the empowerment initiative has enabled group members to become self-employed, increase their income, acquire practical agricultural and production skills and serve as role models for other youth.

She added that the wider community has benefited through improved food security, as the availability of affordable natural fertiliser has boosted agricultural production and improved the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

“The success of YES Group clearly demonstrates the positive impact of youth loans, including increased council revenue through taxes and the expansion of income sources,” she said.

She further said the council has benefited from reduced youth unemployment, a strengthened local economy, promotion of sustainable agriculture and enhanced environmental conservation.

“Karagwe District Council is proud to see its youth becoming producers, taxpayers and ambassadors of inclusive development,” she said.

Ms Msanga encouraged other youth to emulate the group by forming organised groups, developing productive projects and working closely with local authorities to access available opportunities.

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“The development of one youth is the development of the entire community. YES Group Karagwe has shown that with proper planning, creativity and effective use of resources, youth dreams can become a reality,” she said.