Akogo Concepts Agro Youth Expo 2024 successfully completed a three-day event targeting youth in Lira district. The expo was held at three different locations during market days to reach a wider audience.
The organizers, Akogo Concepts, aim to take the expo to various parts of the country, focusing on motivating young people to see agriculture as a viable career path. Their primary objective is to change mindsets and encourage youth participation in agriculture for a positive financial future.
In an exclusive interview, Emmanuel Edulu, Director of Marketing and Partnerships for Akogo Concepts and the event organizer for the 2024 Youth Agro Expo, expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the three consecutive expos held in Amach, Barr, and Ayami (Moo Cwari).
This marks the fourth year Akogo Concepts has organized the Agro Expo. In 2021, they started with a smaller event, inviting around 100 youths to the Lira Hotel. Partnering with financial institutions like Equity Bank and Centenary Bank, as well as organizations like The Hive Colab, allows them to offer resources and support to young farmers. Notably, Akogo Concepts is the implementing partner for Goal Uganda, and the event is open to various stakeholders within the agricultural sector.
The expo strategically takes place during planting seasons (first and second) to provide timely information and resources to farmers. Akogo Concepts operates in five sub-regions: Teso, Lango, West Nile, Western Uganda, and Central Uganda, aligning with Goal Uganda’s extension office locations.
During the event, Emmanuel discussed various topics relevant to young farmers, including output dealers, agricultural technology, irrigation systems, post-harvest handling, and investment opportunities. He also acknowledged challenges faced by the organizers, particularly the low productivity in the country and the lack of involvement from 70% of youth in active agriculture.
Goal Uganda Team Lead, Susan Obua Opio, congratulated Akogo Concepts during her speech at the Barr sub-county event on Monday afternoon. Thousands of farmers and stakeholders attended the Expo throughout the three days.
“Our dream is to increase youth productivity and make them champions in agriculture,” said Emmanuel. He concluded by encouraging young people to change their mindsets and actively engage in agricultural activities for a better financial future.
