Together for improved Livelihood

Four years ago, Buhyara VSLA was never heard of. Buhyara came into existence with the launch of the Mpanga Super Farmer’s Program in 2022. The group is composed of 34 members (27 Females and 07 males). Their main activities include production, credits and loans, and events, generating income for the group.

Buhyara VSLA was faced with many challenges before the beginning of the MSFP. They did not know about the agronomy practices, struggled on low income due to poor yields, and were not able to meet emergencies that required cash.

With the support of JESE’s MSFP, the group was trained and equipped with skills. Everything done follows a sequence. Plans, input, output, and profit. This has improved their livelihood not just as a group, but also at the household level.

“We started putting what we learnt into practice. Whatever we produce is sold, we have added value to our produce with the knowledge gained during experiential exchange visits from other farmers.” Shared Balinda Gilbert, a group member.

Before the training, a bunch of matooke would be sold at 7.000 UGX due to a lack of market and poor yields. Now they sell at 15,000 UGX, and they have learnt about post-harvest handling.

With the food produced, households are providing nutritious meals to their children. Speaking to us during the interview, Gilbert shared that they learnt better ways to care for their children and family members and prepare well-nourishing meals for the families instead of buying food from the market, which sometimes ends up bringing many diseases.

Before the intervention, some of the group members engaged in deforestation for livelihood. With the training gained on environmental protection, they understood the benefits of protecting our environment and are now change agents.

Speaking to the VSLA Treasurer, Ms. Nkoojo Mary, she narrated that the VSLA started saving with 2000 UGX and upgraded to 3000 UGX per week. Now they can save up to a tune of 800,000 UGX, and at the end of the cycle, their projections stand at 14m UGX.

With JESE’s support of 70%, the group raised the 30% of the total budget and procured a tricycle that supports in transporting produce to the collection centre.

Members of Buhyara continue to share the knowledge gained with other community members not in their group to ensure that now one is left behind.