From Vulnerability to Viable Livelihoods: Kalule Eli’s Journey of Economic and Climate-Smart Transformation through Agri-Business.

Kalule Eli (24), a resident of Kizigo Village in Masaka District, was living under extreme livelihood hardship when he was first engaged by Dependable Youth Initiative Uganda (DYIU). As a young man with limited means of income, Eli faced daily economic pressure that left him in an agonizing state of uncertainty. Financial barriers at home forced him to halt his education, diminishing his confidence and narrowing his opportunities for a better future. With no stable livelihood and growing family responsibilities, his situation reflected the harsh realities faced by many vulnerable youths in rural communities of Uganda where poverty suppresses potential and hope.

The turning point in Eli’s life came through DYIU’s economic empowerment trainings guided by the Create, Own, and Grow principles “Youth Economic empowerment for sustainable livelihoods Project” These trainings ignited a shift in mindset, restoring his belief in his own abilities and opening his eyes to in diversifying in many economic activities for prosperity where he chose to focus at agribusiness as a pathway to self-reliance. Through practical entrepreneurship skills, financial literacy, business idea development and mentorship provided by the DYIU team, Eli’s vision for a productive and dignified life was revived. Access to a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) further enabled him to translate knowledge into action, providing the initial capital needed to invest in income-generating activities.

Today, Kalule Eli is steadily transitioning from vulnerability to economic growth through the establishment of a coffee nursery bed and a piggery enterprise. These ventures are strengthening household income while promoting climate-smart agribusiness practices, including tree planting, soil protection, and use of organic manure. While challenges such as limited capital for expansion and water scarcity persist, Eli’s progress stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of targeted economic empowerment. His story demonstrates how strategic donor investment can unlock resilience, restore dignity, and catalyze sustainable livelihoods for families facing extreme hardship creating scalable impact for rural communities.