Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) are a sustainable saving mechanism that is rapidly growing in both refugee and host communities’ in Palorinya refugee settlement . AFOD-Uganda in partnership with Palm Corps is enhancing sustainable livelihood among refugees by equipping them with knowledge and skills in farming and financial literacy through farmer groups and VSLA programs.
Charles Logworong is a South Sudanese refugee who came to Uganda in 2018 due to the conflicts in his country and now settles in Palorinya refugee settlement in Obongi District West Nile region.
With funding from WFP to AFOD-Uganda, Charles and his colleagues gained knowledge and skills in vegetable growing, management, and financial literacy (saving) through Palm Corps which conducted various trainings and encouraged beneficiaries of the project to form farmer groups and VSLAs.
In response, Charles and his colleagues formed ‘Muki ko Ngun’ farmer group which means ‘Pray to God’ in his native language where Charles was appointed secretary. As a farmer group, they were provided with vegetable seeds like tomatoes, onions, okra, and Sukuma wiki to support their farming needs. After numerous trainings, Charles took on farming and replicated a kitchen garden in his home which is improving his livelihood.
From his recent harvest, Charles was able to earn UGX 195,000 from selling his vegetables. He says he has managed to accumulate enough to pay school fees for his children, improve their nutrition through the different vegetables he grows at home and still continues saving in his farmer saving group . In addition to the gardening , he used the financial training to create other sources of income like selling firewood and duck/pigeon rearing, where he has managed to maintain his saving culture.
“My vegetable gardens help me have food at home and have enough to save in my group, and I have grown accustomed to having them. I want to start a piggery with at least two piglets once I receive my savings by the end of September 2022,” Charles said.
Despite agricultural challenges such as insect infestations, harsh climatic conditions, and a lack of produce markets, and insufficient farmland as a barrier to expanding his garden, Charles has persevered and continues to grow different vegetables in his piece of land and hopes to expand his garden.
‘’ The cost of acquiring farmland of four hectors is so high at ugx150,000 per season and given that
saving groups stop providing loans to its members in April, we need support to have enough money to borrow for land as we pay back with interest”, Charles noted.
Charles has established himself as a prominent farmer in the community by encouraging others to join farmer groups and VSLAs by sharing his knowledge and skills.
