Mama Shamba Collective: Empowering Women Farmers, One Seed at a Time

In the rural communities of Namayingo District, Eastern Uganda, women have always been the backbone of agriculture. They till the land, plant the seeds, harvest the crops, and feed their families. Yet, for far too long, they have done this with limited knowledge, resources, and recognition.

That is why we created the Mama Shamba Collective.

What is Mama Shamba?

Mama Shamba (literally “Mother of the Farm”) is a women-led movement under The Good Ground Initiative. It brings together smallholder women farmers, young mothers, and aspiring agripreneurs to learn modern, climate-smart farming techniques while building sustainable businesses.

Our mission is simple but powerful: Transform subsistence farming into profitable, dignified, and climate-resilient agribusinesses for women.

Why Mama Shamba Matters

In Namayingo District:

• Over 70% of women depend on subsistence farming.
• Many are young mothers who dropped out of school due to early pregnancies.
• Climate change has made traditional farming unpredictable with longer dry spells and flooding from Lake Victoria.
• Women often lack access to quality seeds, modern knowledge, markets, and financial services.

Mama Shamba Collective exists to change this story.

What We Offer

1. Climate-Smart Agriculture Training Women learn sustainable farming methods including soil conservation, organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and drought-resistant crops suited for the Lake Victoria region.

2. Mama Kuku Poultry Enterprise A flagship program where women receive training in modern poultry keeping. Participants are supported with high-quality chicks, feeds, and market linkages for eggs and chicken.

3. Digital Skills for Farmers Using our platform uglearn.com, women learn how to:

• Access market prices
• Use weather information
• Keep digital records
• Market their produce online

4. Business & Financial Empowerment

• Formation of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)
• Agribusiness training (pricing, record-keeping, and marketing)
• Linkages to markets and buyers

5. Leadership Development We nurture women to become leaders in their communities — capable of advocating for better access to land, inputs, and agricultural services.

Our Impact So Far

Since its launch, the Mama Shamba Collective has:

• Trained over 300 women in climate-smart agriculture and poultry farming
• Supported the creation of multiple active women savings groups
• Helped many women increase their household income and improve family nutrition
• Produced role models women who are now training others and earning consistent income

Every woman who joins Mama Shamba doesn’t just learn to farm better she gains confidence, financial independence, and a strong sisterhood.

Success Story

Before joining Mama Shamba, I struggled to feed my children. Today, my poultry project earns me enough to pay school fees and even hire labor during planting season. I feel proud because I am no longer just a farmer I am a businesswoman.  Mama Auma, Mama Shamba Member

Join the Mama Shamba Collective

Are you a woman or young mother in Namayingo or nearby districts interested in farming and entrepreneurship?

The Mama Shamba Collective is open to you.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Join our next training cohort
• Become a volunteer trainer or mentor
• Partner with us as an organization or business
• Support us with resources (chicks, seeds, equipment, or funding)

Together, we are growing more than food we are growing strong women, resilient families, and thriving communities.