Environment (Commonwealth Union)_ In a transformative shift, young female innovators in Uganda have surpassed their male peers to claim the top prizes in the prestigious 2024 Agriculture, Youth, and Technology (AYuTe) challenge. This competition, aimed at revolutionizing agriculture across Africa, has highlighted the exceptional talent and ingenuity of Uganda’s women in agri-tech.
AYuTe, an annual event hosted by Heifer International, Uganda, offers a vibrant platform for youth innovators to present groundbreaking technological solutions to pressing agricultural issues. Heifer International, since its founding in 1944, has collaborated with over 39 million families globally, working tirelessly to combat hunger and poverty through sustainable methods.
The 2024 edition of the AYuTe challenge saw an unprecedented level of interest, with 261 submissions received—83 of which came from female innovators, reflecting a significant increase from previous years. The competition showcased a diverse range of innovations, including advanced soil testing devices, automated irrigation systems, robotics for farm monitoring, and pest detection technologies.
The grand prize of UGX 50 million was awarded to Assumpta Nakalema for her groundbreaking solar-powered egg incubator. This innovative device has the capacity to hatch 100 to 300 eggs at varying intervals, offering a cost-effective solution for smallholder farmers to improve egg production and quality. In an interview with the Uganda Radio Network (URN), Nakalema expressed her desire to empower Uganda’s small-scale farmers by providing them with affordable tools to enhance their productivity.
Angel Uwera, the first runner-up, earned UGX 25 million for her invention of the “MAK Agrometer,” a rapid soil testing machine. Uwera’s technology enables farmers to measure the nutrient content of their soil with precision, providing essential data that can guide the application of fertilizers and ultimately increase crop yields.
The second runner-up, Olivia Nakiwanuka, was recognized for her innovative Axis Solar technology. This energy-efficient irrigation system, designed to withstand diverse weather conditions, helps smallholder farmers maximize water usage, especially in challenging climates. Nakiwanuka’s project earned her UGX 10 million.
In a bid to further encourage female participation, two special slots were reserved for women innovators this year. Stella Nakirijja and Patricia Ninsiima each received UGX 3.5 million for their respective innovations—a solar-powered tick detector and a grain-preserving nanotechnology, which are poised to significantly benefit livestock farmers and grain storage operations in Uganda.
Overall, the top ten finalists were honored, each receiving UGX 2 million for their outstanding contributions to agricultural innovation. Since its launch in 2021, the AYuTe Africa Challenge has drawn participation from 704 young innovators, including 158 women, who are driving technological advancements in agriculture across the continent.
This initiative has proven essential in creating pro-poor agricultural value chains, empowering both youth and women, and fostering environmental sustainability. It underscores the potential of nearly 500 youth-driven innovations, which have played a pivotal role in enhancing economic resilience and propelling the advancement of agricultural technology.
William Matovu, the Country Director of Heifer International Uganda, highlighted the significance of this year’s competition. “These young innovators hold immense potential to bring transformative change to agriculture. Their inventions, ranging from automated irrigation to poultry innovations, exemplify the remarkable creativity and drive of our youth,” Matovu said.
The grand finale of the competition, held at Makerere University, was attended by several key figures, including Dr. Ronald Gyagenda Ssegawa, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries. Dr. Ssegawa applauded the participants and emphasized the critical importance of collaboration in fostering agricultural progress.
“As we celebrate the success of these innovators, we must remember that transforming agriculture is a collective effort,” Dr. Ssegawa remarked. “Governments, private sector partners, and organizations must work together to provide young innovators with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to scale their solutions.”
Uganda’s agricultural sector, which employs approximately 68% of the country’s workforce, plays a crucial role in its economy. The country produces a wide variety of crops and livestock, including coffee, tea, sugar, fish, edible oils, cotton, and a range of staple crops such as corn, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, millet, and groundnuts. As the AYuTe challenge continues to grow, it is evident that youth-driven innovations will be instrumental in shaping the future of agriculture in Uganda and beyond.
