Turning agricultural waste into a women-led circular economy
Challenge
In Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, home to 130,000 people, unemployment exceeds 95%, leaving families dependent on aid amid severe food ration cuts. Women lack income, training, and market access, while youth face risks like early marriage and exploitation. At the same time, Uganda discards millions of tons of banana-plant trunks annually – an untapped resource for eco-friendly products.
Solution
Ubuchange is developing a programme using banana fibre and a circular economy model to boost the livelihoods of refugee women and youth. Refugees are trained to both produce and sell handmade eco-friendly products such as baskets, bags, home decor, and accessories, ensuring control over the value chain.
Impact
Enhanced livelihood opportunities for at least 200 refugee women and youth through banana-fibre production and entrepreneurship. Participants will receive training in leadership skills, business development, digital promotion, and financial literacy, reaching nearly 1000 women indirectly. The initiative seeks to establish three production sites across the settlement.