Israel-Africa Agricultural Exchange Program Empowers Ugandan Students with Advanced Farming Skills

Strategic Insights -

The agricultural sector in Uganda, like many other developing countries, faces significant challenges, including food insecurity and limited access to advanced farming techniques. To address this, the Israeli government, through the East and Central African Regional Coordinator, Mr. Issa Agaba Mugabo, initiated an exchange internship program in 2005, partnering with universities in East Asia. The program was later expanded to include African countries in 2012, with Uganda becoming a key beneficiary.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Agro Studies Israel Internship Programme is a nine-month exchange internship program that selects hardworking students to participate in Israel, where they learn advanced skills in agriculture.
  • The program started in 2005 with students from East Asia and was expanded to African countries in 2012, with Uganda being a key beneficiary.
  • In 2013, English-speaking countries in East and Southern Africa, namely Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia, were brought on board.
  • The program selects students from universities in Uganda, including Makerere, Kyambogo, Bishop Mary Stewart, Bukalasa Agricultural College, Busitema, and Busoga, with 216 students selected this year.
  • Participating students are allocated to farms of their interest, where they learn advanced techniques in agriculture, such as irrigation and good agronomy practices.
  • During the internship, students are paid between $60 to $120 per day, with previous students able to save between $7,500 to $10,000, enabling them to carry out projects and earn income upon their return.
  • Students are taught to focus on three key areas: speed, accuracy, and quality of work done, with the aim of improving farming practices in Uganda.
  • The program has been successful, with past students, such as Mr. Hussein Asega, being able to establish entrepreneur groups, partner with farmers, and implement new farming techniques in Uganda.

Statistics:

  • 216 students selected for the program from Makerere, Kyambogo, Bishop Mary Stewart, Bukalasa Agricultural College, Busitema, and Busoga universities in Uganda.
  • $60 to $120 per day paid to participants during the internship.
  • $7,500 to $10,000 saved by previous participants during the internship.
  • 500,000 coffee seedlings ready for sale through the Agri Investment Kibutz entrepreneur group established by past students.
  • 41 students from Makerere and Kyambogo universities were the first Ugandan beneficiaries of the program in 2012.
  • 2013 saw the inclusion of English-speaking countries in East and Southern Africa, with Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia being part of the program.

Sources:

  • Mr. Issa Agaba Mugabo, East and Central Africa regional coordinator of the Agro Studies Israel Internship Programme.
  • Mr. Hussein Asega, fourth-year finalist pursuing a bachelor's degree in Agriculture at Makerere University.
  • Alominda, "Israel-Africa Agricultural Exchange Program Empowers Ugandan Students with Advanced Farming Skills," Nation Media Group, [Date not specified].