Learning, leading and growing together

Flavia, a 66-year-old farmer and grandmother of seven, lives in a remote village in Mitooma district. After losing her husband 25 years ago, she became the head of her household and the primary provider for her family. Farming was her mainstay, but with limited knowledge and few resources, it often wasn’t enough to meet her family’s needs. “Feeding my family was always a challenge. My crop yields were consistently low because of ineffective farming methods. I lacked knowledge about organic fertilizers and didn't put much effort into maintaining my gardens.” Her household frequently faced food shortages and low income from poor harvests. “I often faced challenges providing for my family due to my low income and inadequate harvests to sell. Our village lacked savings and loan groups. As the primary provider for my family, it was always a challenge to make ends meet.”

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In early 2023, Flavia participated in a range of training on agriculture, livestock management, financial literacy, and sanitation. She took a particular interest in the agricultural sessions. “Following several training sessions in agriculture, I began to implement what I had learnt. I started producing both liquid and compost pit manure, applying them to my crops, particularly the struggling bananas, beans, and others. Within a short time, along with some other proper management techniques, my banana plantation began to thrive.” Her banana yields have since multiplied, earning her about UGX 500,000 monthly from matooke harvests alone. Flavia now sells her produce and runs a small business purchasing bananas, pineapples, and avocados from other farmers for resale. With her increased income, she has paid her grandchildren’s school fees, built permanent homes for her family, and even purchased three acres of land to expand her farm.

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Through her village's savings and loan groups, Flavia has also accessed affordable credit. "With access to the VSLA, I have been able to borrow money to start additional income-generating projects and support my family's basic needs. This year, I borrowed UGX 240,000 from the Women's VSLA to purchase four piglets." She has since added pig rearing and opened a small retail shop at her home, creating multiple streams of income. 

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As the Agriculture Champion for her village, Flavia now leads by example. “At the beginning of the program, I was selected to be the Agriculture Champion for my village. This was an exciting opportunity for me.” In her role, she monitors household practices, facilitates trainings, and ensures equitable access to shared agricultural tools. “For the past two years, I have been visiting homes in my village to make sure they have various agricultural elements in place, such as compost pits, well-kept keyhole and backyard gardens, water trenches, and effective garden management. For those who needed assistance, I would provide training and help them set up the necessary components properly.” Her leadership has inspired many to take greater initiative in their own homes and farms. “I feel proud of being able to guide others in my community, especially women, who frequently seek my advice and support." 

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Flavia’s journey is far from over. She plans to expand her farmland further, continue her retail business, and ensure that all her grandchildren attain quality education. “My goal is to give them the opportunities I never had,” she says with a smile. 

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