Crowdfunding Agri-Startups: How Ugandans Are Bypassing Traditional Investors
Introduction Agriculture has long been the backbone of Uganda’s economy, contributing roughly 23% to the country’s GDP and employing over 65% of its population. For decades, smallholder farmers and traditional agricultural practices have formed the economic and social fabric of the nation. Yet, as the world grapples with challenges such as population growth, climate change, and food security, agricultural innovation has taken center stage. In Uganda—a country characterized by a youthful population, an increasingly dynamic tech ecosystem, and a deep-rooted connection to the land—Agri-Startups are emerging as key players in transforming traditional practices through technological interventions. However, despite the ingenuity and potential of these Agri-Startups, many have historically struggled to secure capital from conventional financial institutions and investors. Barriers such as stringent lending criteria, risk aversion, and cultural biases have often left these entrepreneu...