The Development of Inclusive Agriculture Entrepreneurship Education Ecosystems for Young Entrepreneurs in Uganda

Abstract

This study examines how Uganda’s agricultural entrepreneurship ecosystem influences the success and participation of young entrepreneurs. By exploring the perspectives of entrepreneurial youth, this research provides grassroots insights into the structural and social factors shaping their experiences. Using semi-structured interviews with 16 student entrepreneurs, we employ discourse analysis to identify key themes that highlight both opportunities and barriers within Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape. Our findings reveal three dominant discourses: (1) youth are encouraged by their families and communities to pursue entrepreneurship as a means of securing their livelihood in response to limited formal employment opportunities; (2) access to capital and financial literacy gaps remain significant barriers, limiting students’ ability to scale their businesses; and (3) gender dynamics shape entrepreneurial participation, with women facing additional hurdles that restrict their business opportunities. These insights contribute to the broader literature on inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions that enhance financial access, promote gender equity, and support locally driven entrepreneurship initiatives. By addressing these challenges, Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape can better foster sustainable economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs.