Informed by data, driven by communities

Starting from the Last Mile: Learning New Ways to Farm

In a last-mile village in Rukiga District, 25-year-old Promise reflects on how much has changed over the past two years since participating in RTV’s program. When she first joined the program, the introduction of techniques such as planting in rows, setting up keyhole gardens, and producing organic manure was entirely new to her.

I was thrilled to experiment with them for the first time,” she recalls. “I actively participated in practical demonstrations, such as gathering raw materials for the production of organic manure. Additionally, I helped establish a demonstration garden for my village. This experience significantly enhanced my understanding of the training sessions.” Promise grows Irish potatoes, beans, peas, millet and bananas. With good quality seeds that she received after the training sessions, Promise saw her farm yields improve while eleven varieties of vegetables brought diversity to her household’s meals and boosted nutrition.

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Building Financial Stability and a Healthy Household:

The shift was not only about agriculture. Early on, Promise joined a youth savings group, where she learned to set savings targets and manage funds with purpose. Access to credit and collective resources through the VSLA enabled her to plan for her family’s needs while investing in her farm. Vital yet straightforward practices such as boiling water, washing hands and maintaining sanitation structures began to shape a healthier home environment. “My family drinks boiled water, and I ensure that our environment is clean. We have a functional tippy tap, a covered latrine, and a dish rack. We also enjoy the vegetables we grow in our keyhole and backyard gardens,” she shared.

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Coaching and Data in Action

Behind these changes was a system of household coaching that blended personal follow-up, real-time data, and continuous learning, supporting Promise and her neighbors in steadily building toward lasting change. During her first six months, Promise participated in agriculture, financial literacy, hygiene, and livestock training sessions, each lasting four to five hours and reinforced with hands-on practice. RTV team members visited her home to connect with her on a household level and provide guidance. “RTV team frequently visited my home to check on various components I had implemented and offer help in setting up a keyhole garden, building a tippy tap, and demonstrating how to create proper compost pits,” she shared.  

Promise’s biggest challenge was digging water trenches and compost pits, key practices to support agriculture. “The officer provided assistance and gathered community support. I often engaged in extensive and fruitful discussions with the officer about topics related to effective farming methods, hygiene, savings, and various other practices,” Promise shared.

Household-level coaching ensures immediate adoption, and household progress data, recoded through the implementation app used by Team RTV, guides prioritization and delivery. This cycle of learning and adjustment means that communities don’t just adopt practices temporarily, but integrate them into daily life in a way that lasts. As the RTV team member who worked with Promise observed, “Promise gradually gained confidence and expressed herself more openly, especially in areas where she faced obstacles. She felt secure in that environment, which made it easier for me to assist her in overcoming some of her challenges.”

Results and Lasting Change

Household coaching sessions were complemented by independent evaluations and data collection, which monitored various aspects, including family well-being and tools received, as well as water access and farming practices. These multiple touchpoints not only validated progress but also ensured that any challenges were addressed quickly.  garden, and savings from the VSLA. “There has been a shift in mindset since Promise began taking ownership of the programs, contrasting with earlier, when she believed she was working on them solely for RTV,” RTV team member notes. “She adopted the new practices with great determination and dedication.”

From Household Change to Community Impact

Two years later, Promise’s household is thriving. Her Household Income and Production has more than tripled, rising from <$1 to over $2/day in 24 months. With improved harvests, healthy meals from her vegetable garden and savings from the VSLA, she now speaks of the future with confidence.

As Promise looks ahead, she plans to expand her farm and contribute more to her savings group. Her story is one among many in last-mile communities that shows how household coaching, regular monitoring, and long-term evaluation come together to create a foundation for sustainable progress. By graduation, communities like hers are practicing improved farming, maintaining clean water and sanitation systems, running savings groups, and taking on leadership roles that shape their collective future.

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