Uganda: Isingiro District leverages youth-led innovation to tackle climate-induced migration

Climate change is increasingly undermining rural livelihoods across Uganda, with Isingiro District among the most affected areas. In the District, the declining agricultural productivity has contributed to rising levels of out-migration, particularly among youth and smallholder farmers.

These challenges highlight the urgent need to strengthen adaptation to climate change at community level and enhance governance of climate-induced migration. In response, FAO, in close collaboration with the Isingiro District Local Government and the Young Farmers Champions Network (YOFCHAN), has been supporting initiatives to raise awareness of climate-adaptive agricultural practices and technologies among rural communities.

As part of these efforts, a dedicated district-level fair was organized on 31 October 2025, bringing together around 300 participants, including young farmers and agripreneurs, Isingiro District officials, researchers, and private sector actors. The event provided a platform to reflect on local challenges and explore scalable solutions for climate-resilient agriculture. 

Following opening remarks by the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Isingiro District, Mr. Kandiho, the fair featured a technical panel discussion around four key themes: drivers and responses to climate-induced migration; youth engagement in climate adaptation; financing and market access for green agribusiness; and diaspora contributions to agribusiness and climate action. 

The discussion highlighted the challenges posed by prolonged drought and pasture degradation, which are increasingly driving rural communities – particularly cattle keepers – to migrate. Participants stressed the need to improve evidence-based planning and collaboration to guide climate adaptation and develop a district-level action plan on climate mobility. They also underscored the importance of practical, innovative solutions that support rural communities to adapt to and mitigate climate impacts, while creating decent employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. A strong emphasis was also placed on youth empowerment, particularly on making agriculture a viable and attractive career path by equipping young people with the skills, tools, and resources needed to establish and scale green agribusinesses.

Following the discussions, participants visited youth-led exhibitions, where young farmers showcased climate-resilient innovations through live demonstrations. The exhibitions illustrated in a practical way sustainable livelihood options, while creating opportunities for potential market linkages, investment, and partnerships.

The day concluded with a two-hour live radio talk show on Radio West, which shared the fair outcomes and lessons learned with a wider community in Isingiro and neighboring districts. Through interviews and discussions with event speakers, the talk show amplified the core messages of the fair and helped ensure continued community engagement on climate-resilient actions.

Participants at the fair agreed on a set of key recommendations to improve community resilience. These included the development of a District Government action plan on climate mobility, the institutionalization of the fair as an annual knowledge-sharing moment, and the adoption of climate resilient agricultural practices among farmers in Isingiro and the surrounding districts. Participants also emphasized the importance of continuing to empower young leaders through a structured mentorship programme, pairing successful "Farmer Champions" with young farmers.

This initiative is part of the activities implemented under the Enhancing resilience and empowerment in communities at risk of climate-induced migration project, financed through FAO's Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC). Launched in 2024 and implemented in Uganda and Nepal, the project is boosting climate resilience in rural areas vulnerable to climate-induced migration. It focuses on empowering communities, especially women and youth, through climate-adaptive agricultural practices and improved access to information on safe migration and climate adaptation. The project also leverages diaspora networks for climate action and strengthens government capacities to integrate human mobility into climate adaptation plans at national and local levels.