NAWAD continues its mission through uplifting women farmers by directly empowering 472 women smallholder farmers across Mbarara and Rubirizi districts. This initiative is part of the Parish Development Model (PDM), aimed at transforming Uganda’s rural households from subsistence farming into the money economy within five years. NAWAD has been actively supporting PDM committees and conducting sensitization meetings to ensure women’s participation in the PDM, with a focus on increasing household incomes and improving the quality of life.

Women small holder farmers in Rubirizi being sensitized about the Parish Development Model Information System (PDMIS)

Through PDM e-government community meetings, women smallholder farmers have been educated about the Parish Development Model Information System (PDMIS), a web-based management platform that tracks parish-level data and measures progress on Local Economic Development initiatives. The system, developed to collect data across Uganda, is being used by partnering institutions to monitor and evaluate the results of these initiatives, which aim for the total economic transformation of Ugandan households.

NAWAD’s collaboration with the PDM committees is a powerful example of how community-driven initiatives can foster economic empowerment and sustainability for women smallholder farmers. As these farmers continue to benefit from their inclusion in the PDM program, they are paving the way for more vibrant, resilient agricultural communities in Uganda.

The PDM program is a powerful tool for moving households from subsistence farming to an income-generating economy, positioning women as key agents of change.