The CSRL program in Kamuli District engages 38 full and part time staff  including VEDCO employees, volunteers, interns, farmer trainers, collaborators from Makerere University, and a Field Operations Manager under contract with ISU.    Most have received or are working on their B.S, M.S., or Doctoral Degrees in areas related to Rural Development. 

   VEDCO utilizes a Farmer-to-Farmer training approach that is highly participatory and farmer group oriented.  Most farm households belong to one or more groups formed for farming, marketing, or other purposes.  Training sessions are conducted on a range of topics by Community Based Trainers  (CBTs) who are successful and innovative farmers trained by VEDCO’s Program Extension Officers (PEOs).  These topics include:  Agronomy, Livestock Production/Health, Nutrition, Sanitation and Health, Natural Resource Management, Savings and Microcredit, and Farming as a Business.  The CBTs work closely with up to 12 groups of farmers, each having up to 8 members.  The CSRL/VEDCO training program currently serves about 1200 households in Kamuli District.  A much larger number of neighboring households benefit indirectly.

   The approach used in farmer training has evolved to embrace more practical and action-oriented "hands on" techniques rather than theoretical lectures. Each year, a Training of Trainers for Program Staff (VEDCO staff and CBTs) is conducted to equip staff with better facilitation skills to emphasize "hands on" experiences and practical approaches.

   The program encourages trainers to use Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials during training activities. Development of these IEC charts form an integral part of the Phase II activities. In 2010/2011, the CSRL program developed and produced six sets of instructional charts that focus on maize production agronomy. Production of charts focused on post-harvet handling and grain storage is in process. Mango Tree Company develop these materials in the local language (Luganda) and the instructors' guides are in English.