For the last four years, Aspenplus has supported the establishment of three farmers’ savings and credit cooperative societies across three regions. These societies continue to expand and each has built a strong and growing membership base. While the networks are still strengthening their ability to grow sustainably on their own, they remain a strong pillar in advancing our development work.
They actively contribute to assessments, advocacy, and financial support through a small gazetted membership. In addition, they help us reach wider audiences and amplify our voice at community and regional levels.
Kame Women’s Sacco is a vibrant women-led group that started with only six members. Over time, we have witnessed its growth to more than 30 active female farmers.
Through this initiative, members support one another in delivering their produce, connecting to markets, monitoring progress, building their finances, and strengthening women’s representation within their community.
Kyengera Farmers Savings and Credit Cooperative Society is the largest of the three. It is composed of 46 active farmers from Kyengera farmers’ markets and an additional 18 members from outside the area. This network brings together farmers dealing in diverse agricultural products and works to bridge the gap between production and value addition.
Aspenplus played a vital role in the establishment of this cooperative, and the value addition component has already begun to increase members’ earnings and improve market access for their products.
Bundikakemba Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, located in Bundibugyo in western Uganda, is a cocoa and coffee farming community that is more than just a group, it is a national pillar. Although we are not directly involved in their savings scheme, this community remains a key partner to Aspenplus.
Together, we have accomplished multiple projects, including key studies, research, and mapping activities. We also conduct joint trainings, and they continue to maintain our active membership status within their network.