Institution: KadAfrica Estate Limited
Institution Country: Uganda
Implementation Country: Uganda
Area of Focus: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

The Challenge

In West Uganda, less than 50% of girls complete primary school, and less than 1% complete secondary school in rural areas. High rates of unintended pregnancy result in many young women dropping out of school. Half of all pregnancies of women between 15 to 19 years old are unintended, with 88% occurring due to an unmet need for modern contraception.

About the Innovation

KadAfrica is a socially-driven agribusiness that uses passion fruit farming to empower young women in rural Uganda with skills and income-generating opportunities. The KadAfrica Experience Program provides young women with the opportunity to continue their education, generate income, and learn about sexual and reproductive health.

The women grow passionfruit for mass-market distribution and have full ownership of the farms. They are coached on financial literacy, healthy relationships, nutrition, parenting, communication, contraception, safe abortion, menstrual hygiene management, and sexually transmitted infections. This holistic approach provides them with the knowledge and skills they need to make the best choices for themselves and their children.

“I feel good because I learned to plan for the number of children I want to produce, home hygiene and general cleanliness, to guard against unwanted pregnancies and protection against STDs.”

KadAfrica Beneficiary

“My daughter benefited from the KadAfrica programs, for example, she was able to buy a goat which is now pregnant and through the saving and loan scheme, she was able to get a loan and open up a shop that sells lots of things.”

KadAfrica Beneficiary Parent