Data & Insights
Explore country profiles and value chain snapshots to guide your agribusiness decisions.
Country Profiles
Youth-in-agrifood context for East African countries
Kenya
Country Profile
Kenya has a vibrant youth population with over 75% under 35 years. Agriculture contributes 33% to GDP and employs 40% of the total population.
Priority Value Chains
Key Programs
- Kenya Youth Agribusiness Strategy
- Agricultural Finance Corporation Youth Loans
Uganda
Country Profile
Uganda has one of the youngest populations globally with 78% under 30. Agriculture accounts for 24% of GDP and 72% of employment.
Priority Value Chains
Key Programs
- Youth Livelihood Programme
- Operation Wealth Creation
Data Sources
Tanzania
Country Profile
Tanzania's agricultural sector employs about 65% of the workforce. Youth make up 35% of the population.
Priority Value Chains
Key Programs
- Agricultural Sector Development Programme
- Tanzania Youth Development Fund
Data Sources
Rwanda
Country Profile
Rwanda has transformed its agricultural sector significantly. 70% of the population is engaged in agriculture.
Priority Value Chains
Key Programs
- Hanga Umurimo
- Business Development Fund
Data Sources
Burundi
Country Profile
Burundi is a landlocked country where agriculture employs over 90% of the population. Coffee and tea are major export crops.
Priority Value Chains
Key Programs
- National Agricultural Strategy
- Youth Employment Program
Data Sources
South Sudan
Country Profile
South Sudan has vast agricultural potential with fertile land and water resources. Agriculture is the main livelihood for 80% of the population.
Priority Value Chains
Key Programs
- Food Security Program
- Youth Livelihood Initiative
Data Sources
Ethiopia
Country Profile
Ethiopia is Africa's second most populous country. Agriculture contributes 34% to GDP and 70% of employment.
Priority Value Chains
Key Programs
- Agricultural Growth Program
- Youth Revolving Fund
Data Sources
DRC
Country Profile
The Democratic Republic of Congo has immense agricultural potential with 80 million hectares of arable land. Agriculture employs 70% of the workforce.
Priority Value Chains
Key Programs
- National Agricultural Investment Plan
- Youth in Agriculture Program
Data Sources
Somalia
Country Profile
Somalia has a predominantly pastoral economy with livestock being the main agricultural activity. Agriculture contributes about 60% to GDP.
Priority Value Chains
Key Programs
- Resilience Program
- Youth Employment Initiative
Value Chain Snapshots
Opportunities in major agricultural value chains
Rice
Value Chain
Rice is a strategic crop in East Africa with growing demand outpacing local production. The region imports over 1.5 million tonnes annually, presentin...
Youth Opportunities
- Seed multiplication and distribution
- Mechanized land preparation services
- Rice milling and processing
- Aggregation and trading
Key Countries
Tanzania
Uganda
Kenya
Maize
Value Chain
Maize is the most important staple crop in East Africa, grown by over 80% of smallholder farmers. The value chain offers diverse entry points for yout...
Youth Opportunities
- Certified seed production
- Input distribution and agro-dealership
- Post-harvest handling and storage
- Flour milling and processing
Key Countries
Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda
Ethiopia
Horticulture
Value Chain
Horticulture is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sub-sectors, driven by export markets and urban demand. It offers high returns per unit area.
Youth Opportunities
- Greenhouse farming
- Seedling production
- Cold chain logistics
- Export aggregation
Key Countries
Kenya
Ethiopia
Rwanda
Tanzania
Dairy
Value Chain
The dairy sector is growing rapidly with increasing urbanization and changing dietary preferences. East Africa produces over 10 billion litres annuall...
Youth Opportunities
- Fodder production and supply
- Milk collection and cooling
- Dairy processing (yogurt, cheese)
- Distribution and retail
Key Countries
Kenya
Uganda
Tanzania
Ethiopia
Poultry
Value Chain
Poultry is one of the most accessible livestock enterprises for youth due to lower capital requirements and quick returns. Demand for eggs and chicken...
Youth Opportunities
- Layer and broiler farming
- Hatchery operations
- Feed formulation and supply
- Processing and packaging
Key Countries
Kenya
Uganda
Tanzania
Rwanda
Aquaculture
Value Chain
Fish farming is an emerging sector with significant growth potential. Lake Victoria region and inland aquaculture are key production areas.
Youth Opportunities
- Fingerling production
- Pond and cage farming
- Fish feed manufacturing
- Processing and value addition
Key Countries
Uganda
Kenya
Tanzania
Rwanda
Coffee
Value Chain
Coffee is a major export crop for several East African countries. The specialty coffee market offers premium prices for quality beans.
Youth Opportunities
- Specialty coffee production
- Coffee nursery management
- Wet and dry processing
- Quality grading and cupping
Key Countries
Ethiopia
Uganda
Kenya
Rwanda
Tanzania
Tea
Value Chain
Tea is a significant export earner for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The sector offers opportunities in production, processing, and value addition.
Youth Opportunities
- Tea farming and management
- Green leaf collection
- Tea processing
- Specialty tea production
Key Countries
Kenya
Rwanda
Uganda
Tanzania
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