Benedict Muwanguzi, a third-year student at Makerere University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in food science and technology, reflected on his interactive experience with the Innovate for Food Security program by StartHub Africa. He mentioned being provided with various case studies and adopting a hands-on approach to learning, which he found more effective than passive listening.
His motivation to participate stemmed from both a friend’s referral and his interest in entrepreneurship and business. Benedict emphasized the interconnectedness of climate change, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, noting their mutual influence on one another and their critical roles in Uganda’s economy.
Throughout the program, Benedict acquired specific knowledge and skills, including idea thinking methodology, the design thinking process, idea canvas creation, and business idea generation. He highlighted the significance of the design thinking process in problem-solving and product development, particularly in addressing agricultural challenges like food wastage and insecurity.
Applying these newfound skills, Benedict and his team undertook innovative ventures, such as the 50,000shs challenge, where they successfully turned a small investment into profits within four hours by selling salads to university students.
Benedict expressed his belief in the potential of youth to drive change in food security through education, improved agricultural practices, and initiatives to mitigate food waste. He also recognized barriers to youth involvement in agriculture, such as a preference for white-collar jobs, suggesting that education and outreach programs could help overcome these barriers.
Reflecting on unexpected successes, such as the 50k challenge, Benedict appreciated the program’s impact on his entrepreneurial mindset and thanked StartHub Africa for providing the opportunity at no cost.
He commended the program’s ability to transform ideas into tangible products and businesses, underscoring its value in nurturing innovation among university students.
Innovate4FoodSecurity is an initiative spearheaded by StartHub Africa and Ennovate Ventures in partnership with NOREC.
