This paper presents a community-based model developed by Sustainable Missions Inc. (SMI) in rural Western Uganda linking safe water access with household economic resilience, nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
The paper uses a practical case-study approach based on SMI’s experience across 21 community wells in three districts, examining well associations, savings and lending, livestock development, irrigation and nutrition practices.
The model shows how community water infrastructure can support collective savings, livestock investment and household vegetable production. Some groups have expanded livestock from goats to cattle, while households use water for gardens and improved nutrition.
The paper presents a locally developed model connecting water access with livelihoods, nutrition and sustainable agriculture through community institutions. It offers practical lessons for rural communities facing interconnected water, food-security and livelihood challenges.
