In the villages of Bitabago Parish in Rakai District, many families relied on piggery farming for survival. However, despite their efforts, low animal yields and poor farming practices kept incomes low, leaving many households struggling to improve their standard of living.

This began to change in January 2025, when the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) program was introduced to the community. Through participatory learning methods, community members identified their biggest challenges. Among the top concerns was low productivity in piggery farming an issue that directly affected their livelihoods.

To address this problem, ICOLEW facilitators with support from Unbound, organized an exposure visit on 24th October 2025. Eight representatives, including six men and two women from four Community Empowerment Groups (Tusitukirewamu, Gakuweebwamunno, Kisakyamukama, and Twezzebuggya) traveled to a successful model farm in Kyotera District.

A Transformative Experience

At the model farm, participants witnessed modern piggery practices firsthand. They learned about:

• Proper housing structures
• Improved feeding systems
• Hygiene and disease prevention
• Breeding techniques
• Effective record-keeping

The experience opened their eyes to gaps in their own practices, including poor housing, inadequate feeding, and a lack of disease-control measures.

Inspired and motivated, the learners returned home with a renewed sense of purpose.

I have not been feeding my pigs well, this visit has exposed me to proper feeding and I believe I am going to improve my yields if I change the feeding. (Robert, a member of Twezzebuggya Community Empowerment Group)

Renewed Purpose and Action

Working together in their groups, they mobilized resources and established joint piggery projects. They constructed improved pigsties with proper ventilation, drainage systems, and secure fencing to protect the animals. Footbaths with disinfectants were installed to enhance biosecurity, and special areas were created for piglets

The visit helped us understand the importance of working as a group to reduce costs through bulk purchase of feeds.
(Sarah a member of Gakuweebwamunno Community Empowerment Group)

Their efforts received a significant boost on November 21^st, 2025, when each group received improved piglet breeds through support from Unbound. This marked the beginning of a practical journey where knowledge was turned into action.

Collective Growth

Although resources were limited, the group-based approach fostered collective learning. As the pigs reproduced, knowledge and piglets would be shared among members, ensuring that every learner eventually benefits and applies the skills at the household level.

Today, the impact is already visible as participants have adopted better feeding practices, improved sanitation, and more organized farm management. Most importantly, their mindset has changed. What once seemed like a simple subsistence activity is now viewed as a viable and profitable business.

Looking ahead

A total of 102 ICOLEW learners across the four groups are expected to benefit from this initiative, with improved incomes and better living conditions on the horizon.

This story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, transformation begins with exposure, seeing what is possible, believing in change, and taking the first step toward a better future.