Our group deals in ox-plough cultivation, where we are hired to plant seeds. We use them in our own gardens, and we cultivate an acre at UGX 70,000. We share the ox-plough among the members, we cultivate gardens, we have four bulls (and four ox-ploughs). Each bull was bought at UGX 900,000 and ox-ploughs at UGX 260,000 (YIG chairperson, Unyama Subcounty).
The youth took advantage of available land to graze their animals on free-range system. The bulls moved freely from one corner of the community to the other while grazing. Free-range system of cattle keeping was necessary because youth do not own grazing space for their animals. The challenge reported here was loss of animals as they crossed to Omoro or Pader districts and mixed with other animals, bush fires, enemies killing them and contracting animal diseases. It was most likely that these cattle would destroy crops thus evoking reaction from community members.
Manufacturing and extractive undertakings
Manufacturing played an important role for urban and peri-urban youth where access to land was not guaranteed. Youth engaged in processing raw materials to finished products ready for consumption. Activities included small bread and cake making, weaving, carpentry and joinery, and tailoring. The manufacturing enterprises were found to be on a very small scale and informal in nature, particularly making cakes on order and small bread and pancakes (locally known as Lagalagala) for sale in trading centres and market centres during market days. Youth did not own premises such as workplaces but baked from their homes to save direct costs on rent and electricity. One participant explained:
We deal in bakery through making cakes at members’ homes and selling in trading centres and Gulu town. At times, we receive orders from customers and make cakes for them… (Group Chairperson, Bungatira Subcounty).
The activity was not a stand-alone business, but part of activities performed by the group to generate more income and sustain the enterprise.
Some participants engaged in extractive activities such as brick making, carpentry and joinery, and mould[2] and concrete making. Those involved in carpentry and joinery were observed making wooden doors, windows, different sizes and designs of beds, tables, chairs, and art on order and for the open market. Knowledge and skills fundamentally contributed to the success for these enterprises. The educated, skilled leaders influenced and attracted the commitment and development of youth personal resources. In one IGA, the leader who was an ICT graduate commanded respect and zeal from other members. The educated gained identity and had comparative advantage to chair meetings, attend training sessions and committees (Jones, 2022). Being educated makes one powerful and ascend to prominence e.g., a case of leadership- chairperson, association secretaries, treasurers, in Awach and Bungatira. Such subjectives made them take advantage of uneducated. The whole youth resourcefulness depends on ones perceived education.
[2] These are concrete designs used on verandas and walls for house beautification.