The role of incubation in creating business options for youth and women in beef producing areas of Uganda

This study reports how incubation contributed to creating alternative income generating business that counteract the detrimental activities of youth and women in the rangelands of Uganda. The youth and women were identified through sensitization seminars in pre-selected beef producing districts having high levels of environmental degradation. Tailor made business support services were accorded to selected beneficiaries to facilitate establishment of profitable and sustainable climate smart businesses. Among these businesses included, fodder feeds and feeding management, agroforestry tree nursery management, integrated water management and climate smart agriculture options in horticulture. The study found out that incubation facilitated establishment and survival of alternative businesses. It was further found out that incubation increased income generation, profitability and job creation potential of these businesses in beef producing areas in Uganda. Keywords: Incubation, beef production, income generation, rangelands, Uganda