The participants in the Schorlemer Foundation's International Young Farmers' Exchange Program (IYFEP) are completing their agricultural internship after a three-month stay abroad in Uganda and Germany. A total of 25 young farmers took part in the exchange. Over the past twelve weeks, participants lived and worked on host farms and saw how agricultural products are grown under different economic and climatic conditions. The official conclusion took place in Berlin as part of an evaluation seminar, which was accompanied by trainers from the Andreas Hermes Academy.

Experiencing agriculture, recognizing differences and similarities and establishing networks – these are the goals of the exchange program. Some of the companies in Uganda are so-called model and training companies. In addition to agricultural products, further training workshops and seminars are also offered there. Kenan Gohlke and Lena Möring, participants in the current round, were housed on such farms.

Lena Möring completed her internship at the “GEJJA Woman Foundation”, which fights against the stigmatization of women and does educational work in schools. Women are also supported in founding start-ups in the agricultural sector. There was a lot to discover for Kenan Gohlke, as he traveled with his guest farm manager to the many fascinating regions of Uganda to advise other farmers on, among other things, cultivation techniques. In addition to the sunny weather, they particularly enjoyed the hospitality in their partner country.

“Experiencing agriculture in a global context is a good way to overcome prejudices or stereotypes. Exchange programs not only promote understanding of international agriculture, but above all understanding between each other, i.e. between different cultures,” summarizes Dr. Andreas Quiring, Managing Director of the Andreas Hermes Academy. Gerald Dohme, DBV, also emphasizes: “This program offers a lot of space for expanding your own knowledge and horizons and is unique in its form. I am pleased that the participants are returning to their home countries with many valuable insights.”

Two further rounds of exchanges are planned for next year: one from April to June and another from August to October. The program receives support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, which means that a significant portion of the internship costs are covered by the funding. These include travel, flight and insurance costs as well as participation in seminars.