In the landscape of international development, one truth stands clear: sustainable change happens when communities lead the way. Our Cents for Seeds program is a testament to this approach, placing decision-making power in the hands of local leaders and participants to drive real, lasting impact in northern Uganda.

What is locally led development?

Locally led development ensures that solutions are designed, implemented, and refined by the people they aim to support. It moves beyond traditional top-down aid models by recognising that communities hold the deepest understanding of their own challenges and the most effective solutions.

This philosophy is woven into every aspect of Cents for Seeds, our microloan seed program that has grown from 100 participants in 2010 to over 32,000 women today. Rather than imposing external ideas, Love Mercy co-constructed solutions with local agronomists, program coordinators, and participants, ensuring that every decision aligns with community needs.

Cents for Seeds: a model for locally led impact

Designed with local voices
The Love Mercy Uganda team plays a pivotal role in shaping and refining Cents for Seeds. Through continuous consultation with women in the program, the team adapts training, introduces new seed varieties, and incorporates climate resilience strategies, ensuring solutions remain relevant and effective.
Strengthening community resilience
The Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are another key example of community-driven solutions. These self-run groups empower women with financial literacy, enabling them to invest in livestock, school fees, and small businesses. In 2024, deep-dive research confirmed that Cents for Seeds participants engaged in income-generating activities reported higher financial confidence and problem-solving skills.
Responding to climate challenges
In recent years, climate change has threatened food security in Uganda. Rather than relying on external aid, the local team has pioneered adaptive strategies, such as introducing more resilient seed varieties and piloting rain-harvesting and irrigation solutions. These innovations were identified through direct consultation with farmers and have already led to improved harvests and economic stability.
Measurable impact & continuous learning
Our 2024 Huber Social Impact Report underscores the success of locally led development within Cents for Seeds. Participants reported an 8% higher overall wellbeing than those not yet in the program, demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of community-driven solutions. Importantly, our social impact is actively measured each year, allowing the program to evolve based on real-time data and participant feedback.

Why locally led development matters

When programs are built with communities, not for them, they create long-term independence rather than dependency. Cents for Seeds proves that by investing in local leadership, empowering women, and adapting to evolving needs, development initiatives can drive real, sustainable change.

At Love Mercy, we are committed to continuously improving our approach to locally led development. This means leaning into difficult conversations, yielding decision-making power to our Uganda-based team, and ensuring that every step—from program design to budgeting and accountability—is informed by those who know their communities best. We recognise that true local leadership requires active listening, trust, and a willingness to evolve, and we are intentional about refining our processes to ensure our programs remain deeply rooted in local expertise.

Join us in supporting locally led solutions that empower communities from within.