Amplifying Youth Voices in the Green Economy: A youth-led study in Uganda

Abstract

This study examines the aspirations, motivations, and structural barriers that shape young people's engagement with green employment in Uganda. Drawing on a mixed-methods, youth-led research approach combining a survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews, the study revealed an overwhelming willingness by young people to engage in green jobs--notably organic farming and recycling activities. While a significant proportion of the respondents indicated that they were not working in their dream jobs, there also expressed pessimism that they would land such decent jobs. Financial constraints, skills deficits, limited land access, and weak policy implementation emerged as the dominant barriers across individual, household, and community levels. Gender disparities further compound these challenges, with young women facing disproportionate obstacles rooted in cultural norms and family expectations. We recommend that unlocking youth potential in Uganda's green economy requires integrated, youth-centred policy reform, gender-responsive programming, and sustained institutional investment.