The Kalagala Microenterprise Development Project, implemented by the Foundation for Sustainable Community Based Development (FSD-Jinja Uganda), has successfully transformed the lives of women and youth in the Kalagala Parish. The project’s impact has been profound, leading to significant social, economic, and environmental improvements in the community. Below is an overview of the achieved impacts and the areas where further development support could enhance and scale the project’s success.
Achieved Impacts
- Economic Empowerment and Stability:
- The project mobilized women and youth into Village Savings and Lending Associations (VSLAs), equipping them with the skills needed to turn their savings into viable group microenterprise ventures that the entire group can benefit from. As a result, many participants have launched successful businesses, leading to increased household incomes and economic resilience in the community. This shift in turn has significantly helped reduce dependence on the Mabira Forest for livelihood, thus promoting environmental sustainability.
- Improved Environmental Conservation:
- By providing alternative income-generating activities, such as liquid and bar soap production, the project has lessened the community’s reliance on depleting the Mabira Forest for resources like charcoal and timber. This change in livelihood has contributed to the protection and preservation of the forest, enhancing the overall ecosystem in Kalagala Parish.
- Skills Development and Entrepreneurship:
- Participants received comprehensive training in entrepreneurship, savings management. These training sessions have empowered the community members with the knowledge and confidence to start and manage small businesses, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship that is vital for long-term economic development.
Opportunity Areas for Development Support
- Scaling Up Microenterprise Initiatives:
- To maximize the project’s impact, further support is needed to expand microenterprise opportunities beyond the events management business. Introducing additional businesses, such as agriculture-based ventures, handicrafts, and small-scale manufacturing, could diversify income sources and further strengthen economic resilience.
- Access to Market and Finance:
- While the project has succeeded in mobilizing savings and fostering entrepreneurship, participants need better access to larger markets and financial services. We aim to foster development interventions that focus on building market linkages, offering microloans, and providing marketing training to help businesses reach a wider customer base and scale their operations.