Maugo Village

FAST FACTS:

Village Location: HOMA BAY COUNTY

# of Villagers: 1500

Village Started: SEPTEMBER 2024

# of Households Surveyed: 125

# of Villagers Who Started in the CHEC:  125

Graduation Date: May 2025

# Graduated from Health Training: 123

# of Participants in Economic Training: 123

Primary Economic Groups: Rice Farming

Maugo Village, GHC’s fifth CHEC community in Homa Bay County, is home to more than 1,000 households. When baseline surveys were conducted in September 2024, the village faced serious hygiene and sanitation challenges. Many households relied on untreated dam water, compounds were untidy, and preventable illnesses like diarrhea, malaria, cholera, and bilharzia were widespread. Still, all 125 surveyed households chose to join the CHEC and begin the journey toward better health and economic stability.

As 2025 comes to a close, Maugo is moving from learning to action. CHEC members have completed both the health curriculum and financial literacy training and are now practicing consistent saving, record-keeping, and group accountability. Several savings groups are contributing weekly and laying the groundwork for community-based lending—an important shift away from high-interest lenders. 

After thoughtful discussion, the community selected rice farming as its first major income-generating project. Members have begun preparing land, organizing work groups, gathering seed, and planning for the first planting cycle. Some families are also strengthening their food supply with small vegetable gardens and poultry while the main project gets underway. Rice farming represents both income potential and the village’s growing confidence in building a more stable future. 

One member captured the spirit perfectly: “This time, we want to plant as a business—something that will help all our families.” 

Maugo’s Sustainable Governance Committee (SGC) has completed leadership training and is now overseeing savings records, coordinating the rice project, and supporting decision-making across groups. Their role ensures that progress remains community-driven and sustainable as Maugo transitions from planning to implementation. 

With active savings groups, a community-wide business taking shape, and strong local leadership, Maugo is laying the groundwork for lasting resilience. Families are thinking beyond monthly survival and beginning to plan for school fees, medical needs, home improvements, and long-term stability. The momentum is real, and the future is bright.