Wajy News

  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...

  Introduction Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, contributing 23% to GDP and employing over 65% of the population. As climate change and population growth strain food systems, Agri-Tech has emerged as a lifeline for sustainable development. Uganda’s youthful, tech-savvy population positions it as a hotspot for innovation—yet women, who form 80% of the agricultural workforce, remain underrepresented in leadership roles. This blog explores how Ugandan women are leveraging Agri-Tech to dismantle barriers, drive economic growth, and redefine gender roles in agriculture. From mobile platforms connecting farmers to markets to AI-driven crop predictions, their innovations are reshaping the sector. Why Agri-Tech Matters in Uganda Uganda’s agricultural challenges—climate volatility, fragmented supply chains, and outdated practices—demand tech-driven solutions. Key innovations include: Precision agriculture  tools optimizing water/fertilizer use. Digi...

  Introduction Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city, is experiencing rapid urbanization, with its population expected to double from the current 3.5 million to 7 million by 2040. This explosive growth is putting unprecedented pressure on food systems and urban infrastructure. As the city expands outward, consuming once-productive agricultural land, and upward with increasingly dense development, a pressing question emerges: How will Kampala feed its growing population sustainably? Urban vertical farming—the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often integrating controlled-environment agriculture technology—offers a potential solution to this challenge. By utilizing rooftops, walls, and other underused urban spaces, vertical farming could transform Kampala's food production landscape while addressing multiple urban challenges simultaneously. The concept is particularly relevant in the context of Kampala, a city characterized by its hilly topography...