KAMPALA, Uganda — Muhawiyah Mukasa, winner of the 2023 Best Farmers Competition, is revolutionizing Uganda’s agricultural landscape through innovative rabbit farming and dragon fruit cultivation at his Kapeeka Agro and Livestock Farm (KALF).

Located in Kapeeka, KALF has emerged as a model of youth entrepreneurship, community empowerment, and sustainable practices. Initially focused on rabbit farming, the farm has expanded to produce dragon fruit for export, showcasing a unique combination of enterprises.

Mukasa’s journey was not without challenges. He faced high costs of imported inputs, inadequate training, and local skepticism. Undeterred, he developed solutions, including a semi-self-cleaning rabbit cage system using locally sourced materials.

“This setup saves time and resources, demonstrating that high standards can be achieved with local materials and creativity,” Mukasa explained.

The Best Farmers Competition, sponsored by dfcu Bank and partners, propelled Mukasa to national recognition and a study tour to the Netherlands. He learned advanced farming practices and efficient techniques, inspiring him to apply these principles locally.

“The Netherlands tour was eye-opening,” Mukasa reflected. “We saw how automation and efficiency can transform farming.”

As a Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Climate-smart Agriculture in Green schools, Mukasa teaches young Ugandans sustainable practices and modern farming techniques.

KALF organizes monthly workshops, training hundreds in rabbitry and combating youth unemployment. The farm has become a hub for knowledge-sharing, showcasing agriculture as a viable career path.

dfcu Bank’s commitment to the competition supports Uganda’s agricultural sector, empowering innovative farmers like Mukasa.

“Muhawiyah’s story demonstrates how innovation, resilience, and community-minded entrepreneurship can drive transformative change,” said a dfcu Bank spokesperson.

With ongoing support, KALF continues to inspire, proving agriculture is a modern, profitable path forward for Uganda’s youth and a cornerstone of national progress.