Akalo, Kole District – June 22, 2025
In a major push to empower young people with sustainable agricultural skills, Youth at Work Development Initiatives (YAWODI) on Saturday trained a group of youths on cocoa farming at Victoria Mixed Farm in Akalo Sub-county.
The training was led by agricultural expert Dr. Isaac Orec, who welcomed the youth to the farm for a practical tour before conducting a comprehensive session on the benefits and techniques of cocoa cultivation.
Dr. Orec emphasized that the Lango sub-region is still struggling to identify two strong cash crops, and cocoa is a golden opportunity that must not be missed.
“Lango as a tribe is still searching for viable cash crops. Cocoa is one of them — we must embrace it,” said Dr. Orec. “Youth, especially those fresh from universities, should not just sit at home. Take the mantle, grow cocoa, and secure your future.”
He explained that cocoa has the potential to create employment, raise household incomes, and uplift entire communities.
“The road to wealth is in the soil. If people of Lango plant cocoa, they will get rich,” he added.
The training inspired many youths who attended, including Joan Winnie Atim, who admitted that she had previously been discouraged from planting cocoa.
“A friend of mine told me cocoa won’t work, but after touring the farm and seeing the evidence, I am fully convinced. This can transform not just my life but Uganda’s economy,” she said.
Denis Ogena, another participant, pledged to begin planting cocoa immediately.
“I’m now sure that cocoa can change lives. I am going to start,” he said with confidence.
Naume Akullo also expressed satisfaction, saying the training had opened her eyes to new possibilities.
“With cocoa, I can now see a better future. It’s time to act,” she said.
YAWODI continues to engage youth in livelihood initiatives that promote self-reliance and development. The cocoa project is expected to expand across the Lango sub-region in the coming months as more youth embrace agriculture as a tool for change.
