Boomu Women’s Group

The members of this group are subsistence farmers, most food that is grown is for domestic consumption and what is left is taken to the market. However in order to raise income, some end up selling all their products and remain with less or nothing hence starving. The most expensive costs incurred are education costs such as secondary school fees, textbooks, and uniforms. Other items of expenditure include soap, gas, and clothes once a year.

Uganda as a whole has about 82% of its population dependent on agriculture and the GDP per person is $249 (2003). Locals here earn income from farming, but due to the low amount of produce and lack of access to proper markets, this rarely covers their needs, therefore, raising member’s income through such initiatives helps to create development not only by reducing household poverty, the inadequacy of the diet, but also increasing educational levels.

With few alternative forms of livelihood for women, the group was formed to provide another income stream through weaving baskets. By working together, training and advice can be shared and products sold together through one outlet. With assistance from UCOTA, this project has been successful.