Nakasenyi Agali Awamu Farmers Field School: From Collapse to Community Transformation

When COSMA Sustainable Rural Development (COSMA) first encountered the Nakasenyi Agali Awamu Farmers Field School, the group was struggling to survive. Originally operating as a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), the cooperative had been weakened by poor leadership, mistrust among members, and a lack of transparency in its operations. Membership had sharply declined from 40 to just 16 members, and the group was steadily collapsing.

Although most members depended on farming for their livelihoods, they mainly practiced subsistence agriculture characterized by low productivity, limited income, and minimal savings. The group lacked both the organizational capacity and the resources needed to improve members’ livelihoods.

Ten years later, the cooperative has grown from 16 to 65 active members, evolving into a trusted and vibrant community institution. Through collective saving and investment, the group purchased a 50ft by 100ft piece of land and constructed an office building that now serves as its operational headquarters.

The cooperative has also diversified its income sources by investing in community event equipment, including two 100-seater tents, 200 chairs, three large cooking pans, 500 plates, and 300 cups. These assets now enable the cooperative to provide affordable event services within the community, generating additional income for the group while strengthening its local visibility and relevance.