Kampala, Uganda – Heifer International has awarded top young innovators in agriculture, youth, and technology through the AYUTE Africa Season 3 challenge. The initiative aims to nurture the talents of young people to address pressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Africa.
William Matovu, Country Director at Heifer International-Uganda, emphasized the organization’s commitment to tapping into the innovative potential of young people across Africa. “Africa has the most fertile soils, yet it spends over $1 billion importing food,” he noted.
The top 10 innovators received over UGX 100 million for their outstanding technologies designed to help local farmers access affordable solutions. Assumpta Nakalema, a young innovator from AgroVision Uganda, won the grand prize of UGX 50 million for her solar-powered egg incubator.
Nakalema’s innovation supports smallholder farmers by providing a solution for hatching between 100 and 300 eggs at a time, improving productivity and profits. “With this project, farmers can commercialize their poultry businesses,” she explained.
Other notable winners included Angel Uwera, who won UGX 25 million for her Mak Agrometer innovation, and Olivia Nakiwanuka, who received recognition for her Axis Solar innovation.
The AYUTE Africa challenge has identified over 500 innovations since its inception in 2021, with many already being introduced to the market.
Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, representing Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, praised Heifer International for providing young innovators with a platform. Ronald Ssegawa Jjagenda, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of agricultural technology and highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting young people.
The AYUTE Africa challenge demonstrates Heifer International’s dedication to empowering young Africans and revolutionizing agriculture through innovation.
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