The Uganda Rural Development and Training Programme (URDT) has taken another innovative
step towards promoting regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration through the
Community Asset Voucher for Rural Transformation project by enrolling 17 more community
members into the Sarafu Network, a digital voucher system.
This year, URDT in partnership with Grassroots Economics (GE) of Kenya, introduced the
Community Asset Voucher system in rural communities of Uganda, aiming to develop a socio-
economic model for rural transformation.
The Sarafu Network, a community-based voucher system, piloted in Ruteete sub-county will allow
members of the Nyakashema Tukolere Hamwe Group offer labor to one another in a rotational
approach, enabling them to pool resources and time for the development of agricultural projects
and eco-system restoration efforts. Each member is expected to provide five hours of labor weekly,
supporting the concept of mutual assistance and sustainable development within the community.
The enrollment event, which was held in Ruteete sub-county, brings the total number of
community members using the Sarafu Network to 75. Previously, similar training and enrollment
programs had been conducted in other pilot sub-counties of Pacwa, Burora, Kyanaisoke, and
Kagadi, all in Kagadi District, western Uganda.
Sarah Kobusinge the project manager, provided extensive orientation on how to use the voucher
system, offering members insights into the visionary approach and technologies that promote
sustainable agriculture
She says the main aim of the Community Asset Voucher system is to foster regenerative
agricultural practices, enhance eco-system restoration, and encourage self-reliance within the
communities. By focusing on exchanging labor for the greater good, the system aims to foster
deeper community ties while promoting environmental protection.
The community members who attended the session expressed their excitement about the new
system, believing it will boost local agricultural productivity and strengthen bonds within their
group
URDT’s Community Asset Voucher system highlights the organization’s commitment to
empowering rural communities through sustainable practices and innovative technologies. By
combining labor exchange with visionary planning, URDT continues to lead the way in enabling
people to create wealth, be food secure, and attain environmental sustainability in rural Uganda.
