Contribution of agricultural financing on youth economic empowerment: a case of Budde Sub county, Butambala district

Abstract

The study intended to assess the role of agricultural financing on youth economic empowerment in Budde Subcounty, Butambala district. The study specifically intended to find out the contribution of agricultural savings on enabling youth start new business or boost existing business, establish the contribution of agricultural loans towards asset accumulation by youth, and the contribution of agricultural savings and loans groups on social capital of participating youth in Budde Sub County - Butambala district. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides from 82 youth farmers from different youth groups in Budde Sub County and 3 secondary participants. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and statistics as well as thematic analysis for qualitative data. The study has revealed that agricultural savings help youths in Budde to increase on the number of laborers and add to capital stock of new or already existing business; agricultural loans mostly enable youth farmers to purchase agricultural tools and equipment which mostly serve to increase production and agricultural savings and loan groups mostly help them to build a network of friends and solidarity, sharing and contribution of ideas, assistance for families, social development and welfare, business creation, awareness building, collective bargaining and self-employment. Recommendations were made to improve access to agricultural finance among youths and for further research.