Community transformation in Buikwe District: The role of Agriculture

Abstract

This study examined community transformation in Buikwe district and the role of agriculture This was after the realization that environmental conditions (i.e., fertile soils and the equatorialclimatic conditions [reliable rainfall and warm temperatures]) make the potential for agriculturereal in Buikwe District. The challenge was how to tap into this potential even when the necessary infrastructure and human and financial resources were still wanting. Agriculture generates unlimited forward and backward linkages, investment opportunities, foreign exchange,employment, taxes, new skills and technologies as well as reducing poverty and food insecurity. It is also a key in economic diversification and community transformation. The study specifically sought to achieve the following objectives: to identify the agricultural practices in Buikwe District; to establish the role of agriculture in the socio-economic development of Buikwe District; and to examine strategies for transforming agriculture in Buikwe District. To achieve the stated objectives, the study was guided by the following research questions. The study was qualitative and conducted using a case study design and a non-probability sampling technique involving purpose sampling to select the sub-county, villages and respondents. It was upon the researcher to identify the sub-county, villages and respondents likely to provide the best information. A sample of 45 respondents was selected for the study. The respondents included farmers, elders, mothers, household heads, land owners and agricultural officials from Najjembe sub-county. The data were collected using interviews and observations [for primary data] and documents analysis [for secondary data]. The analysis of the data generated by the interviews and observations involved a phenomenological approach by emphasizing a deep understanding of the observed phenomena and views of the participants, literal description and narration of the emerging issues out of which authentic conclusions were made. The study found out that the agricultural practices in Buikwe District were predominantly on small scale either for commercial or subsistence [involving both livestock and crop husbandry]. Other practices were: agro-forestry, plantation farming [tea and sugar canes].