Saving Groups
Revolving funds help rural farmers access credit at affordable interest rates.
Small village savings groups can be an effective and complementary approach to financial inclusion and platforms for rural development in Uganda.
All farmers in our program are a part of local micro-credit groups called Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA). Through this, they not only grow their social capital, they also receive entrepreneurship training, and leadership skills. They are encouraged to set goals and save regularly. Members are also able to borrow from their group’s revolving fund, and repay loans at affordable interest rate.
Saving Groups
Each member has a profile on the mobile App, where they can track their saving progress towards their goal.
The goals are unique to each member; it can be buying an asset, starting a small business, improving a housing situation or simply saving money.
Leadership
Through our partner Mobile App, members are able to lead their weekly meetings on a rotating basis. This not only helps build individual confidence, it also helps build leadership skills within groups.
Local Network
All the groups are connected, and they meet together at least once a year. Farmers therefore have a local a local network built around them and neighboring communities.
Through these groups, farmers are able to exchange information, socialize, learn, and connect with peers on a regular, ongoing basis.
Our Main Goals
Smallholder farmers provide food for 80% of the population in Africa. Through our efforts, we hope smallholder farmers will;
- Increase access to improved seed varieties
- Research and demonstration best farming practices
- Train smallholder farmers in crop management techniques
We provide access to the tools, training, and resources necessary to implement sustainable agriculture practices. This includes providing access to irrigation systems, improved seed varieties, and crop management techniques which are adapted to the Ugandan climate.
- Increase use of organic fertilizer
- Establish partnerships with seed and agro-input suppliers
- Provide access to farm tools and equipment
