Creating Sustainable Rural Transformation Using Visionary Approach

Abstract

African Rural University offers a Bachelor of Rural Development (BRD) program which operates within the Faculty of Technologies for Rural Transformation (TRT). This transformative education aims to cultivate change agents and makers who focus on rural development. Specifically targeting women, ARU utilizes a curriculum that blends theoretical learning (60%) with field practice (40%). Students undergo a one-month Practicum and a seven- months Internship in Sub Counties and Villages, to facilitate rural transformation. Following the Epicenter Strategy, ARU Interns were strategically placed in Kibaale, kanyabeebe, Isunga Mpeefu, Nyamarunda Town council, Kyaterekera Town Council, Rugashali Town Council and Mabaale Town Council in Kagadi district for two academic semesters. The goal is to enhance rural transformation by elevating both thinking and practices within communities through PAR and CAP. The Internship started on 25th march and ended on 20th October,2024 as a continuation of Participatory Action Research. Interns receive mentorship from Epicenter Managers, mentors from Faculty mentors, and Traditional Wisdom Specialists (TWS). The intern worked closely with the technical staff and political staff of Kagadi Sub County, community members of Rugashali cell and Kiryajonjo cell during Internship and Participatory Action Research. The methods used were; Visionary Approach, Community Action Planning and Participatory Action Research. Post-internship, the intern compiled her report on initiated projects, presenting outcomes to communities, local government, and faculty staff for assessment. Key achievements, detailed in Chapter four of this report, include; 2 CAP meetings conducted, PAR conducted on factors affecting banana production in Rugashali cell community strategies for security of property and facilitated sessions on visionary thinking and planning to 30 Kiryajonjo cell community members. Additionally, sensitization efforts were carried out on topics ranging from security, health, education, and environment and about government programs like PDM. Practical activities involved training community members in various appropriate technologies, such as bar soap and shoe polish making, as well as energy-saving stoves, liquid soap making and mushroom project