Haron Obong

Haron Obong, founder of Lira Seedlings Center in Uganda, is a shining example of how entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change while uplifting local communities. Haron’s business focuses on affordable seedlings, floriculture, and carbon-capturing trees while training and employing young people, particularly teenage mothers, who often face significant barriers to economic independence.

Haron’s motivation stemmed from the devastating effects of environmental degradation and climate change on his community’s farming systems. The disappearance of rain caused by deforestation, coupled with malnutrition among poor teenage mothers unable to afford organic supplements, inspired him to act.

“We began to source seeds of carbon-capturing trees to propagate, like the teak tree, which has an average carbon intake of about 3.70 lakh tonnes annually for every 10-30m tree. For malnutrition, we source high-content vegetable seeds, germinate them in our nurseries, and sell them. In the process, we employ young people, especially teenage mothers, to help them learn as well as earn.”

Lira Seedlings Center has made a remarkable impact on both the environment and the community:

• Planted over 300,000 tree seedlings of various species, acting as both carbon traps and economically valuable resources.
• Constructed 10 family-based urban garden structures in Lira City, providing sustainable solutions for food security.
• Expanded to five nursery sites across Uganda, increasing access to affordable seedlings.
• Published a hands-on skills booklet, empowering others with the knowledge to replicate similar initiatives.
• Provided seasonal employment to over 200 young people per season, with 88% being teenage mothers.

Through Youth Business International’s (YBI) member, Cordaid Uganda, Haron received essential business development services, training, and mentorship that helped him scale his impact and grow his business.

Haron’s efforts demonstrate how innovative solutions can address climate change while creating opportunities for vulnerable groups. His work exemplifies the power of social entrepreneurship in building a sustainable future for both people and the planet.

Haron was a finalist in the Climate Entrepreneurship category at the YBI Global Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2024.