PlantwisePlus Blog

Celebrating youth innovation on International Youth Day

In Uganda’s agricultural landscape, farmers once relied on traditional tools for agriculture. An incredible digital shift is changing their lives for the better.

Farmers in Luwero, Nakasongola, Nakaseke, and Mukono are now adopting digital tools developed by PlantwisePlus to optimize crop production and their resource investments, such as fertilizers and farm inputs.

Precision agriculture transforming agriculture in Africa

One man in Uganda is helping improve smallholder farmers’ lives by applying these digital tools to improve precision in agriculture. Anthony Ssenyonga, a crop scientist, entrepreneur, digital connector, and PlantwisePlus plant doctor, is helping to bridge the gap between technology and rural farming in communities.

Anthony’s experience began with acquiring an agriculture inputs business. He then participated in plant doctor training through CABI, in partnership with the Zirobwe Agaliawamu Agri-business Training Association (ZAABTA). With this training, he has successfully established a digital advisory hub on WhatsApp, serving over 500 farmers in Luwero and beyond. When a farmer sends in a picture of diseased crops, they receive a crop diagnosis and advice on how to manage them.

“As a plant doctor, I train farmers and spray service providers on the diagnosis and management of crop pests with the use of digital tools,” Anthony says.

Youth and the digital adoption

Anthony has a strong presence among the youth, a demographic that comprises 74% of Uganda’s population. Many young people are unemployed and lack the necessary skills to earn a living through agriculture. Anthony is training young people to use digital tools to improve their agricultural skills.

This year’s International Youth Day highlights the power of youth in driving innovation for a more sustainable future. Anthony’s work exemplifies this spirit, supporting young people with tools that not only enhance agricultural productivity but also inspire leadership and entrepreneurship in rural communities.

Through tools such as the PlantwisePlus Factsheet App, which anyone can  easily download onto their smartphone, young farmers receive expert advice on preventing and managing their crops against pests and diseases. Previously, farmers lacked knowledge on how to handle crop pests and diseases. With up to 40% of the crops lost to these issues, it significantly contributed to the broader problem of food insecurity.

“It has been awesome to see them take this knowledge and truly utilize it. They are not only improving their farming practices but also sharing what they learn with other farmers in their communities,” said Anthony.

He has also expressed that he collaborated and trained 50 youth in these digital tools, which has resulted in a 20% increase in tomato yields in 2024. “Youth who are trained go on to become ambassadors, teaching and training even more people, creating a ripple effect in the region,” he added. Anthony continues to lead the youth in adopting precision agriculture, one tool at a time.

As we mark International Youth Day, stories such as Anthony’s remind us that with the right support, young people can lead the way in solving some of the world’s most pressing agricultural challenges, starting from their own communities.

Digital tools in action

As a trained plant doctor, Anthony uses the PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank to diagnose pest problems and offer accurate advice to farmers. Farmers can now access knowledge on specific pests affecting their crops and learn how to manage them effectively. “In Mukono District, women have used these tools to manage the coffee berry disease,” Anthony added.

The CABI crop sprayer app is another tool positively impacting farming in the region. In 2024, the app helped spray service providers to cover over 600 acres with optimized pesticides. Anthony noted that this reduced costs by up to 30%, leading to even higher yields. Similarly, in Nakasongola District, the crop sprayer app has helped farmers combat pests like the fall armyworm in maize, significantly reducing losses by 35% improving their market access.

The CABI crop sprayer helps farmers determine precise pesticide application rates, thereby minimizing waste and the environmental impact of pesticides. Making it revolutionary in integrating pest management principles when deciding the level of pesticides to be used. The farmers also save on the amount they spend on purchasing pest control products.

“Farmers have reported a 30% reduction in fertilizer costs and a 15% increase in yields,” says Anthony.

The success of precision agriculture in Uganda presents an opportunity for global and local partners to help grow the impact of these tools and integrate new ones. Through partnerships with local digital ambassadors like Anthony Ssenyonga, more farmers can access tools such as CABI’s Crop Sprayer App, PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank, and PlantwisePlus Factsheets app.

With proven success in Uganda, this is more than just a story, but a way to improve agriculture through technology, community leadership, and data-driven solutions.

Additional information

Images: Digital ambassadors like Anthony Ssenyonga are helping smallholder farmers optimize their yields using various digital tools.

Further reading

Youth in agriculture: Meet Anthony Ssenyonga, an agri-entrepreneur in Uganda

Training module to help agro-input dealers in Uganda reduce the risks of highly hazardous pesticides 

“Positive youth engagement programmes empower young people to reach their full potential” 

5 ways that youth agricultural training benefits young people in Uganda 

Africa’s youth unemployment challenge needs a revolution in order to sustain global development 

PlantwisePlus gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Directorate-General for International Cooperation, Netherlands (DGIS); European Commission Directorate General for International Partnerships (INTPA); UK International Development from the UK government; and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).