Collective Action and Sustainable Economic Asset Acquisition: Evidence from Group Support Programmes in Kanungu District, Uganda

Group Support Programmes (GSPs) have increasingly emerged as important community-based mechanisms for promoting financial inclusion, livelihood improvement, and poverty reduction among rural households in developing countries. This study examined the contribution of Group Support Programmes to sustainable economic asset acquisition among participants in Kanungu District, Uganda. Guided by Collective Action Theory and the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach, the study explored how collective action, social capital, and livelihood strategies influence asset accumulation and economic empowerment. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining household questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and document review to generate quantitative and qualitative data. The findings indicate that participation in GSPs enhances access to credit, strengthens saving behaviour, improves financial management practices, and expands opportunities for selfemployment and entrepreneurship. Members reported acquiring productive and household assets, including livestock, land, housing improvements, agricultural inputs, and small enterprises. Participation also facilitated livelihood diversification, increased household income, strengthened financial resilience, and enhanced confidence and decisionmaking capacity. The study further demonstrates that collective action and social capital function as important mechanisms through which members mobilise resources, access financial opportunities, and improve livelihood outcomes. The study concludes that Group Support Programmes constitute an effective community-based strategy for promoting sustainable economic asset accumulation, economic empowerment, and livelihood resilience among rural households. The findings contribute to broader debates on collective action, community-based development, and sustainable livelihoods in developing-country contexts.