“I was able to articulate my vision, communicate my value proposition, and persuade different stakeholders to support my business. I also developed a comprehensive business plan, refined my business model, and created a strategic roadmap for growth and expansion.” said Lynnet.
I am Lynnet Nakidde, a 23-year-old passionate environmentalist, agripreneur, and proud alumnus of the International Young Farmers Exchange Programme (IYFEP), Cohort 6. In this piece of writing, I’ll share with you my experience during the IYFEP Alumni pitching event held on November 19, 2024.
The pitching event was quite an amazing experience for me. I had the opportunity to pitch my idea, focusing on the potential of biofertilizers as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers not only for crop yield improvement also for soil health promotion and an action towards environmental conservation.
As I stepped onto the stage, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. But as I began to share my passion and vision with the audience, I felt my confidence grow. The audiences’ thoughtful questions and feedback pushed me to think creatively.
Also, witnessing my fellow alumni pitch their ground-breaking ideas was truly inspiring. It was a powerful reminder that we, as young leaders, have the potential to drive meaningful change in our communities and the world. I’m grateful for the support and look forward to leveraging this opportunity to take my idea to the next level.
With the start-up capital from UNYFA and other development partners I plan to increase the fertilizer production capacity and improve the quality of biofertilizers and biopesticides that we manufacture.
The alumni program and pitching event were instrumental in helping me refine my business idea and develop my business plan.
Additionally, I was able to articulate my vision, communicate my value proposition, and persuade different stakeholders to support my business. I also developed a comprehensive business plan, refined my business model, and created a strategic roadmap for growth and expansion.
I gained several skills, such as public speaking and marketing, among others, and I plan to utilize them to drive the growth and success of my business while also paying it forward by mentoring and supporting other young entrepreneurs that I work with.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Young farmers’ Federation of Uganda and development partners; Schorlemer Stiftung, Dz Bank, and Andreas Hermes Akademie for their invaluable support. Your belief in my vision and commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs has been instrumental in helping me turn my idea into a reality.
About Lynnet
Lynnet is the Founder of the Biofertilizer Centre for Youth Empowerment (BCFYE), Busense, Masaka Kyotera Road. She oversees initiatives like organic fertilizers and pesticides production that empower youth to become leaders in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
With experience as an Extension Worker and Tree Project Coordinator at St. Jude Family Projects, she works closely with farmers and communities to promote agroecology and environmentally friendly practices.