Road Upgrade Transforms Farming in Erusi Subcounty

In a collaborative effort to promote good governance and accountability, CSBAG and AFCE (Urgency for Community Empowerment) empowered Participatory Budget Club (PBC) members, primarily coffee farmers, with essential skills in budget tracking, service delivery monitoring, budget accountability, and advocacy.

Armed with this knowledge, PBC members mobilized the community to demand improved service delivery from local authorities. A notable outcome of this initiative was the advocacy effort led by PBC members in Erusi Sub County, Nebbi District, who joined forces with citizens to push for the grading of a critical road connecting Erusi to Nebbi via Owilo and Owecko.

This road had long been in disrepair, hindering farmers’ ability to transport goods to market. The community’s collective voice brought attention to the issue, prompting action from local authorities. This story highlights the impact of empowering citizens to hold leaders accountable and the difference it can make in their lives.

PBCs closely monitored the condition of the Erusi-Nebbi road, recognizing its critical role in facilitating farmers’ access to markets. Given its poor state, the road had become a significant hindrance to the transportation of produce, prompting PBCs to advocate for its grading during the Sub-County budget conference.

Their efforts paid off when the Sub-County included the road’s upgrade in their budget frameworks, which were then submitted to the district. The district, in turn, incorporated the project into their plans, paving the way for the road’s improvement. This achievement underscores the impact of citizen-led monitoring and advocacy in influencing budget decisions and driving positive change in local infrastructure.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the district took swift action, and in January 2025, the road was graded. This upgrade took place over the entire month, greatly improving the transportation of farmers’ produce to various markets. The impact was immediate, and it addressed a challenge that had long plagued the community.

The successful grading of the Erusi-Nebbi road has brought tangible benefits to the farmers and residents, enabling them to transport goods more efficiently and connecting them to markets with greater ease. This outcome is a direct result of the collaborative efforts between the PBCs, the community, and local authorities, showcasing the power of citizen engagement in driving meaningful change.

During interactions with the community, a member highlighted the critical role of the Erusi-Nebbi road, noting that Erusi Subcounty is the food basket of Nebbi District. The road’s upgrade was strategic, and the community expressed sincere gratitude for the efforts made to improve it. However, a new concern emerged: water accumulation beside the road during rainy days, which could lead to rapid deterioration. To ensure the sustainability of these improvements, the community suggested installing culverts to mitigate this issue.

This success story showcases the power of community advocacy and stakeholder engagement in driving infrastructure development. Through the PBCs and community efforts, tangible results were achieved, and the upgraded road will remain an important link for farmers, strengthening economic opportunities and food security in the region. As the community continues to monitor and address emerging challenges, this initiative serves as a model for effective community-led development, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement and collaboration.