The IGAD countries are rich in livestock resources and livestock is known to support livelihoods, support nutrition and food security, and a good source of income. Unemployment however, is common in the region. There are a lot of unemployed and jobless youths. Most of those in the livestock farming are neither doing the business well nor competitively.  Some of the major reasons include: inadequate business skills, as well as lack of access to finance.

IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (ICPALD) in collaboration with FAO organized a national training on livestock entrepreneurship to contribute to addressing the indicated capacity gaps in Uganda to help youth, women, and other stakeholders in livestock farming to address business skill gaps. The total trainees were 30; three from the ministry (extension officers) and 27 from private actors, at the June 27-28, 2022 training in Kampala. The private sector were from five value chains (dairy, beef, poultry, beekeeping and piggery). Dr. Ameha Sebsibe made welcome remarks on behalf of the ICPALD Director. The Commissioner, MAAIF, Dr. Juliet in her opening remarks indicated that the training is very relevant for the stakeholders and extension staff to advance the agenda of the government on commercialization and agro-industrialization.

The training course covered the following topics: Business management skills; Idea generation, Teamwork and leadership skills, Communication, Customer service skills, Marketing, Financial skills, Analytical and problem-innovative solving skills among others. The participants also appreciated the training, especially the business planning and record keeping which were a value addition to them. It was agreed that the trainees and the ministry will undertake cascading of the knowledge they gained.

ICPALD expresses appreciation to FAO for financing this activity.