From peasant farmer to a community leader; how tree planting transformed Betty Shillo’s life.

From peasant farmer to a community leader; how tree planting transformed Betty Shillo’s life.

Betty\’s journey has not only transformed her life but also inspired many women in her community. She actively educates men and women about gender equality, land ownership, and sustainable practices. Her efforts have fostered unity and collaboration, making Bumaena one of the model villages in the Busiende Sub County.

In the village of Bumaena, Bumaena Parish, Busienda Sub County, Mbale District, Betty Shilo, a 45-year-old mother of six, has turned her life around through an inspiring journey of resilience and community leadership through tree planting.

In June 2020, Betty, then a peasant farmer, embarked on a life-changing project introduced by Bungokho Rural Development Centre (BRDC). As a community facilitator since 2017, BRDC connected Betty to a tree planting and gender project aimed at empowering women and improving their livelihoods.

Betty, who also leads women’s groups in her community, embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. She has years managing Bumaena Nursery as one of the Tree Nursery Bed Operators (TNBO) promoting environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Her dedication has not only contributed to climate change mitigation and adaptation, but also earned her recognition and respect within her community.

\”I was just a peasant farmer, but now I am a village celebrity,\” Betty proudly shares. \”With the support of my husband, I have built a permanent house, bought land, and can afford to send my children to private schools. Our income has increased significantly, and I continue to keep poultry, which has added to our financial stability,\” she said.

Betty is the Chairperson of the Bumaena Tsowatsowana Village Savings and Loans Association, overseeing a fund of UGX. 27 million. Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE), through the Climate Justice and Gender program, supported the Bumaena Tsowatsowana Cluster Level Association Women Village Savings and Loans Association with a seed fund of UGX 13 million to boost their savings and build a revolving fund available for members to borrow and repay.

METGE’s preparation for the seed fund support included:

1. Mobilizing the nine self-help groups that constitute the Bumaena Tsowatso wana Cluster Level Association and creating awareness of the seed fund support.
2. Facilitating an exchange visit for the Bumaena Tsowatsowana Cluster Level Association women’s Farmers Association in Kapchorwa District. The visit aimed to enhance knowledge and learning from the farmers\’ group in Kapchebut.
3. Developing a Constitution on VSLA for the women’s group, registering it at the Sub County, and opening a bank account where the seed fund was transferred

METGE also supported 332 women with income-generating activities, including beekeeping for 68 women and vegetable growing for 264 women. As a result of this support:

1. Eleven kitchen gardens have been established, and 113 farmers have started replicating this in their individual households.

• Three demonstration sites were established for sustainable land management in Busiende Sub County.

• 1,800 cashew nut seedlings were planted in Busiende Sub County as an alternative source of livelihood.

• Vetiver grass was established for fodder and mulching material.

Beekeeping startup kits, including 60 beehives, 3 smokers, 6 bee suits, and 3 beehive tools, were distributed to three groups. The groups sited all the bee- hives, and 31 beehives have been colonized.

Through the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), Betty says she can now easily access loans that have helped her pay school fees and further finnance her farming activities. \”My husband, a supportive teacher, and I have worked together to achieve so much. We no longer worry about having a meal each day, and our children are receiving a good education. I am also proud to make a significant contribution to climate change by distributing trees,\” Betty remarks.

Betty\’s journey has not only transformed her life but also inspired many women in her community. She actively educates men and women about gender equality, land ownership, and sustainable practices. Her efforts have fostered unity and collaboration, making Bumaena one of the model villages in the Busiende Sub County.

“thanks to METGE, we have changed our lives. Women now use me as an example. I am considering contesting for the NRM Women League chair person in Busiende Sub County because we have now been empowered and men recognize that even we women can make a significant contribution to the community,\” Betty reveals.

Betty Shilo\’s story is a testament to the power of community projects and the impact of determined individuals. Her achievements have brought her pride and a sense of fulfillment, proving that with the right support and determination, transformation is possible for anyone.

Mark Wangwa, an extension officer, says Betty\’s story has inspired many women into a saving culture by joining Village Savings and Loans Associations, and now hundreds are involved in tree planting.

\”Betty\’s transformative story has inspired so many women, including men in this community. They have followed her journey from a vulnerable, poverty-stricken lady into the strong woman she is today. She is a testament to the rewards and gains made from tree planting,\” he says.

\”We thank the people of Wales for the funding for the gender project and the generous support for these com- munity nurseries. Betty would not be where she is today if it wasn’t for tree planting and the gender project.\”

Joyce Kimono, the Gender and Safe- guarding Officer at METGE, says there is power in empowering women. \”There is a lot of patriarchy entrenched in our communities, and Betty\’s story teaches us that when we empower a woman, we empower the whole community,\” she notes.