Project Title: Women’s Financial Inclusion
NAWAD, in a strategic partnership with Centenary Bank, empowered 110 Women Smallholder Farmers (WSHFs) with essential financial literacy and management skills. Through intensive training in Mbarara and Rubirizi, these rural entrepreneurs gained a deep understanding of financial management, from individual savings to cooperative finance and the intricacies of the loan process. Moreover, participants were inspired by the potential of business enterprises, igniting a spirit of entrepreneurship within the community. Building on this success, NAWAD equipped a remarkable 325 WSHFs with the knowledge and tools to establish and manage thriving business enterprises. By meticulously outlining the steps involved in the loan process, NAWAD has created a clear pathway for these women to access the financial resources necessary to achieve their economic aspirations.
Women small holder farmers who are beneficiaries of the project in Rubirizi district
In 2024 NAWAD will support smallholder farmers in Mbarara and Rubirizi Districts through various initiatives. This includes training 1,200 women farmers on accessing PDM loans and e-services, hosting two PDM service camps to address loan access issues, and documenting the issues raised. Additionally, NAWAD will conduct bi-annual practical learning sessions for 20 women representatives to enhance their knowledge on climate-smart agricultural technologies and improve access to quality inputs.
Attendees of the Phase III “Women’s Financial Inclusion” inception meeting and stakeholder engagement in Mbarara district
NAWAD will engage a consultant to develop a comprehensive business plan for the grain milling initiative, including market research, financial analysis, and risk assessment. The plan will be orientated to NAWAD staff and the Bunenero farmers’ group in Mbarara through a one-day meeting. To ensure the initiative’s success, NAWAD will conduct monthly monitoring visits and organize two learning and exposure visits to model projects. Additionally, a collaborative meeting will be facilitated between women smallholder farmers and private sector players to explore processing technologies, markets, and partnerships, targeting 600 participants.
Bunenero small holder farmers have a meeting in the milling machine structure provided by NAWAD.
NAWAD will develop a standardized financial literacy training manual and train its staff to prepare for rollout. The manual will then be used to train 40 women smallholder farmer groups, reaching 1200 participants, in financial literacy and business management in Mbarara and Rubirizi districts. To ensure successful implementation, NAWAD will conduct monthly support and monitoring visits to the groups.
Through targeted financial inclusion activities, NAWAD seeks to uplift women in Mbarara and Rubirizi districts, contributing to their economic resilience and community development at large. This will set the foundation for agriculture and women’s economic empowerment in Uganda at large.