Free Access | 2024-04-12

Invest in higher cotton value chains to create decent jobs for youth and women in Uganda

Authors/Editors: Madina M. Guloba (PhD) ,  Elizabeth Birabwa Aliro

Abstract:

Value addition along the cotton value chain is critical in ensuring that youth and women are fully engaged, have decent jobs, and are economically transformed. Findings from the cotton baraza engagements reveal that despite the increasing participation of both youth and women in the cotton value chain, their participation is mainly recorded in the first stage of farming which has limited value addition. Consequently, their jobs are more laborious, yet less paying. They often do the planting, weeding, and work as casual labourers (e.g., cleaners at ginning stations), as well as loaders and offloaders. There is a need to teach youth and women the basic and specialized skills needed to add value to cotton and ensure high quality products that are attractive to both the local and international markets. Lastly, there is need to provide both women and youth with access to affordable equipment required to facilitate value addition