By Joshua Bell | Fundraising & Donor Relations Volunteer
Hello from the farm!
We are profoundly inspired by your continued support for Thriving Youth Farmers Uganda, fueling our shared vision of a resilient future where young people lead with confidence and purpose.
In the shadow of Uganda's persistent youth unemployment crisis where, as of 2025, nearly 42.6% of those aged 15-24 remain disconnected from employment, education, or training, the stories unfolding on our farm stand as beacons of possibility. Far from mere figures, this reality drives the quiet determination of a generation, converting systemic barriers into fertile ground for innovation and independence.
This quarter marks a pivotal chapter in our journey, as we engaged in GlobalGiving's July Bonus Day and Passport to Purpose campaigns to magnify your contributions and secure essential matching funds for sustained progress. These efforts have not only fortified our resources but also provided us with the opportunity to interact with our partners from across the globe who have come together to support the farm and the community that it serves.
A GROWING TEAM
As a growing organisation, we are happy to introduce a new member of the team. Meet Denis, who has joined TYoFU as our Project Coordinator. His arrival has infused fresh energy into our work, reminding us that true strength lies in united hands. Hailing from Kyegegwa district in western Uganda, Denis’ passion for driving growth drives our team’s development with unwavering dedication. His enthusiasm for nurturing collaboration and skill-building strengthens our collective efforts, weaving a more resilient community through shared progress.
FROM FOUR PONDS TO A THRIVING FIVE-POND ECOSYSTEM
Riding the momentum of our Alice Rowan Swanson Fellowship expansion, we've deepened our commitment to sustainable aquaculture by uniting the community in constructing a fifth pond that will be used for grading and separating catfish.
This setup enables precise sampling to spot "shooters", fast-growing fingerlings that could otherwise dominate and harm smaller ones, promoting balanced development and robust health. This expansion provides a crucial addition as each of the two bigger ponds contains 4000 catfish and 150 tilapia fish, while one of the small ponds holds 200 tilapia.
At the heart of this progress is the empowerment of under-resourced youth, who have embraced roles as builders and trainees, honing skills in pond construction, aquaculture, and fish rearing alongside our staff and local experts. These hands-on experiences directly advance our mission to equip young people with transferable expertise, enabling them to forge stable livelihoods in a demanding world. Our trainings integrate vital knowledge on nutrition, resource management, and ecosystem care, laying the groundwork for self-reliance.
As we look forward, plans to incorporate diverse feed pellets will enhance rearing efficiency, while broadened workshops will instil entrepreneurial acumen, empowering more youth to initiate their own sustainable enterprises. Beyond the ponds, these initiatives cultivate enduring nourishment, not just for communities, but for aspirations rooted in environmental harmony.
PLANTING & HARVESTING
In Uganda's endless cycle of growth, our fields narrate powerful stories of renewal amid the pressing challenges of food insecurity and limited rural opportunities. To counter these hurdles head-on, the TYoFU team has innovated with raised beds, sowing and reaping a diverse harvest of yams, cabbages, beans, onions, tomatoes, groundnuts, maize, sugarcane, and marigolds, blooms that deter pests naturally while enhancing the land's vitality. Each crop tells of youth rising above adversity, transforming idle plots into sources of nutrition and income that sustain families and spark local economies.
Our dedication to regenerative practices, crafting organic fertilizers and pesticides, implementing crop rotation, and fostering companion planting, addresses soil degradation while yielding wholesome, toxin-free bounty. These approaches heal the earth and inspire a model of harmony, where young farmers not only feed their communities but also build pathways to enduring prosperity.
STAY CONNECTED
To follow our evolving story and receive monthly insights from the farm, subscribe to our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/95e5b24154eb/tyofu-newsletter-subscription.
Your engagement keeps the momentum alive. Thank you for being part of this transformative alliance!
Wishing you abundance and hope,
Martin & the TYoFU team
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