Bos, Lana2025-08-262025-08-262025-08-25https://hdl.handle.net/10222/85395Linking to the literature reviewed in this paper, which explores entrepreneurship and youth in agriculture, program design, development and delivery, including supporting internal and external resources, this research explores these topics through an analysis of three entrepreneurial programs in Ethiopia, Uganda and Canada. For the purpose of this study, I answer the following two research questions: 1. What are the best practices in agricultural entrepreneurship programs in higher education? 2. What are the lessons learned from the implementation of these entrepreneurial agriculture programs?In the face of rising youth unemployment, rural out-migration, and the undervaluation of agriculture, entrepreneurship education has emerged as a promising strategy to empower youth and stimulate economic development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This thesis presents a comparative case study of three agricultural entrepreneurship programs implemented in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Canada; all coordinated through Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture. Using qualitative methods, including interviews with 36 facilitators and students, the study explores program goals, design, delivery, outcomes, and contextual considerations of the three programs. Findings reveal that while program structures and socio-economic contexts differ significantly, common best practices in programming include experiential learning, mentorship, safe learning environments, gender equity and institutional support. Uganda’s Skills Development Project and the integration of entrepreneurship into formal curricula yielded particularly strong student startup outcomes, while Dalhousie’s Cultiv8 program in Canada emphasized the goals of mindset development and transferable skills. The Agriculture Through Stronger Vocational Education project in Ethiopia demonstrated the potential of targeted funding and mentorship, though systemic barriers such as limited access to land and conflicting government policies hindered success. The study concludes that entrepreneurship education in agriculture must be flexible and adaptable to the context and supported by robust institutional and policy frameworks. It offers evidence-based recommendations for enhancing program sustainability, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, and aligning educational initiatives with broader development goals. These insights contribute to the global discussion on youth empowerment through agricultural innovation.enentrepreneurshipagriculturehigher educationbest practicesUgandaEthiopia