Eco-agriculture - livelihoods from sesame and organic, green business opportunities for young rural people

In Uganda’s northern region, about 80% of the population is unemployed or under-employed in the informal economy, and generally fully occupied with subsistence agriculture. Agriculture remains one of the few drivers of economic growth due to relatively fertile soils, two rainy seasons and the high demand for food and other agricultural products in the East African region, as well as the growing demand for organic products. Internationally, demand for sesame seeds has grown fast in recent years – sesame seed production in Uganda grew by 78% between 2002 and 2012. Sesame productivity remains low, however, largely due to a lack of information on improved production practices; poor market intelligence, value addition and post-harvest handling; and difficulty in meeting the varying quality requirements and standards in the different markets. This project aims to address these issues, including by promoting eco-agricultural practices and improved consumption management.