Empowering Young Farmers to Lead the Way

Eric Mugabe dreams of a future as a cattle trader.

Living in the rolling grasslands of Kapeke, Uganda, 24-year-old Eric gets up each morning to tackle his responsibilities as the head of his household. His father died when Eric was 20 — thankfully leaving the family with no debt.

His father, whose health started to decline years earlier, asked Eric to leave school at age 9 to look after his cattle. Now after his father’s death and with siblings to care and provide for, Eric shoulders heavy social obligations for his age.

Balancing work and family are always on the top of Eric’s mind. He constantly thinks through how he and his siblings can best manage the assets their father left them — a farm and 50 dairy cattle.

But thankfully, you stepped in when Eric’s family needed help most.

Eric knew he needed to save the profit he earned from selling milk, which is when he found a youth development group led by Heifer Community Facilitator, Benon Tugume.

As a Friends of Heifer® supporter, your generosity provides resources to form self-help groups for youth. These groups serve as savings circles for young entrepreneurs in the area who are looking to learn more about running a successful business.

The impact these groups make on young people in Uganda is profound. With 78% of its people under age 30, Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world and a shortage of productive, quality employment opportunities to support it. As a result, many young people face a future with limited options and little incentive to strive for more.

But, through your direct support, the groups are making a huge impact – with hope and inspiration flourishing over the last five years among members like Eric.

The peer-led group structure aims to stimulate entrepreneurship in rural communities, so young people become active agents of change in their own progress — a tenet of Heifer’s sustainable locally led development approach.

When you support young men and women on their journey to build agribusinesses, you also invest in their ability to access and manage money as well as take care of their animals and crops.

Today, money is saved, in incremental amounts, and stronger friendships formed during the weekly meetings, where the group members come together for training and discussing new business investments.

Eric wouldn’t be where he is today without you.

After joining the self-help group, his savings have grown exponentially — and so have his ambitions.

“I started with 1 million [Ugandan shillings] and now I have 3 million at my disposal," Eric said. "In three years, I should have 10 million as capital. That is what I am striving for.”

You gave Eric the opportunity to transform his family’s life. Now, his savings have tripled, and he doesn’t feel burdened by caring for his family. Eric has bright plans for his future and carries all the support and training provided by you in his heart forever.

Thank You

Farmers around the world can feed their families, run their farms, and earn a steady income all thanks to your support as a Friend of Heifer. Your gifts do more than provide training and livestock to families in need. Your gifts give families the tools needed to stop the cycle of hunger and poverty once and for all.