Global social entrepreneurs unite in Kagadi

18 February 2025, 7:56 am

By James Muhumuza

Nourishment economies: Integrating social, environmental, and economic benefits

Nourishment economies create a complete economic cycle by integrating social, environmental, and economic benefits. Nutrition serves as the common thread connecting people and soils, generating numerous value propositions.

Social entrepreneurs from sixteen African countries and the United States have convened at the African Rural University (ARU) premises in Kagadi district for the Nourishment Economy Action Summit. The summit, which began on February 17, 2025, will run until Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Themed “Developing Systems at the Overlap of Farmers, Health, Environment, Resiliency, and Culture,” the summit was officially opened by Kagadi Deputy Resident District Commissioner Benjamin Tumusiime.

The event brings together Ashoka fellows and leading social entrepreneurs to explore sustainable solutions at the intersection of food security, environmental conservation, and community resilience.

In his address, Tumusiime praised African Rural University (ARU) and the Uganda Rural Development and Training (URDT) programme for their dedication to training change agents who champion sustainable development.

He also commended Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe, the founder of URDT and Vice Chancellor of ARU, for his unwavering support of transformative initiatives in Kagadi District. He lauded ARU for hosting the summit, which gathers global thought leaders in social entrepreneurship.

Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe emphasised that the summit provides a crucial platform for social entrepreneurs committed to sustainability in food systems, public health, and environmental conservation.

He underscored the importance of collective action in educating communities on ecological sustainability while promoting economic empowerment to improve livelihoods.

Additionally, he noted that social entrepreneurs drive innovation and value creation through public engagement rather than being solely influenced by market demand.

This inaugural summit has sparked regional interest in the science, economics, and ethics of regenerative and cross-sectoral action, accelerating momentum for sustainable development across Africa and beyond.

The summit is supported by the Nourishment Economies Coalition, URDT/ARU, African Food and Peace Foundation (AFPF), McKnight Foundation, and Meridian Institute.