Rice Farmer Cooperative-Western Uganda

•    Kanungu, Western Uganda

Sparking Self-Sufficiency in Africa Through Sustainable Income

Located near the town of Kihihi. the land is very fertile and the farmers are already growing many crops, including a large quantity of rice. However, very much like the case of our Coffee Farmers Cooperative, commercial rice growing has not been lucrative, because the farmers lack the ability to process their own rice and store it until good market prices are available. By improving yields and increasing market access we are enabling farmers to significantly increase their income in a sustainable way.

Solving Market Challenges By Developing Cooperatives that can obtain stature through collaboration and collectively compete in existing markets.

Improve Yields and Quality through Teaching. Teach best farming practices and assure access to Village Savings and loans.

Create Sustainability. Focus is on the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) methodology, because we believe that the VSLA are the best way for people living in poverty to achieve sustainability of income.Group members are trained in how to save together as a group, give each other loans intended to start or grow their businesses, hold each other accountable for payback with a 2% interest. That interest helps the savings pot grow larger, bigger loans become available, incomes grow and families are transformed. Currently, there are 31 groups that include 930 people.

Economic Stability. Cash crops provide economic vitality/stability where subsistence farming cannot. Rice provides such a cash crop.

Community Development. Farming cooperatives build community wide identity and interdependence though shared goals and shared prosperity.

Basic Needs. Food and shelter needs can now be met.

Education. Self-sufficiency and self respect are supported through the teachings.

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