Maize farming has long been the backbone of the Kasasa community in Kyotera District, Central Uganda, driven by the region’s proximity to the Tanzanian border. Yet, persistent issues like inadequate farming support, limited access to capital, and the dominance of middlemen have left many farmers struggling. In a bid to overcome these obstacles, the community has turned to collective action, transforming their approach to farming and finance.
They established a community bank where farmers can save money after selling their harvest. This initiative has about 300 members and is governed by a 30-member committee responsible for making key decisions about how to invest the interest earned from soft loans. Recently, the committee convened to discuss how to allocate five million shillings (approximately $1,350) for community development.
Among the committee members is 47-year-old Mariam Uweira, who has depended on maize as her family’s cash crop for over a decade. She shares her experiences, noting, “For a long time, farmers in Kasasa have depended on maize, but we face numerous challenges, from market pressures to climate change.” Mariam recounts her struggles with middlemen who have cheated farmers by offering low prices before the harvest, illustrating the hardships that many endure.
Typically, an acre of maize yields about 10,000 kilograms, which can produce around 750 kilograms of maize flour, potentially earning a farmer about 1.5 million shillings ($405). However, during oversupply periods, middlemen can buy a thousand kilograms at half the price, eroding profits even further. A banking system that favors larger farmers complicates matters, leaving Kasasa farmers seeking alternative solutions.
In response to these challenges, the community has built a self-sustaining ecosystem that includes a maize mill, a school, a health center, and a community savings and credit scheme known as Tatsat. This democratically managed project enables farmers to pool their maize production and access soft loans for education, healthcare, and farming improvements.
“Our circle currently focuses on three areas: agriculture, investment loans, and business development,” explains a
Charles Mukasa – Chairman Tat Sat Sacco. This approach fosters community ownership and sustainable development, standing in stark contrast to the extractive nature of many financial institutions in the region. Tatsat has welcomed over 300 members, including students, but faces significant challenges, especially during the off-season for maize crops.
The committee recognizes the need for innovation and collaboration to navigate the financial landscape. “When a member takes a loan, managing collateral can become complicated,” Mukasa notes. “You need sufficient resources to oversee the security effectively.” Despite these hurdles, the community supports one another, ensuring that maize gardens are well-tended and that members have access to ready markets.
The unique ecosystem surrounding maize production not only aids farmers but also positively impacts the education of their children. The shared vision of community growth and mutual support is evident in their resource allocation and fund management, transforming challenges into opportunities.
While many Ugandans are engaged in farming, few have truly reaped significant profits from it. According to UBOS, 68% of Uganda’s workforce is employed in agriculture, producing a variety of crops like coffee, tea, and maize. However, the sector faces numerous challenges. Limited access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation leaves production vulnerable to climate changes and pests.
Poor post-harvest practices, inadequate storage, and costly transportation also restrict farmers from fully commercializing their efforts. Export barriers add pressure, with many farmers struggling to meet international standards.
In communities like Kasasa, collective action has emerged as a potential solution, allowing farmers to pool resources and support each other. While hurdles remain, their model offers hope for a future where more Ugandan farmers can benefit from their hard work.