Agricultural service delivery by NAADS under decentralized governance in Arua District, Uganda

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2011-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Humanities and social sciences.
Abstract
Decentralized service delivery has led to transfer of powers, functions, and responsibilities for planning and implementation of agricultural extension services from the MAAIF (Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries) to district local governments. However, the aim of this study was to assess relationship between decentralized governance and agricultural production by NAADS in Arua district. The methodology used was descriptive Research design, Data collected included; demographic features of the key respondents, decentralization and improvement of agricultural production, gender distribution and factors that determine their participation, and benefits of women participation in NAADS. However, a total of 115 questionnaires were distributed and 6 NAADS coordinators were interviewed. Six Sub-counties were purposively selected according to the date joined to NAADS programme and the distance away from the district which samples are distributed through stratified technique. The study used interview guides, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and observation to collect data. Data was analyzed through STATA/SPSS software’s. The findings indicated that decentralization has significantly improved agricultural yields per acre. Which means that sub-county level; farmers had benefited more from the advisory services through provision of inputs. The study also found that women did not take part in decision-making process of NAADS programme activities since most of the key positions are taken by men. However, it was found out that NAADS had registered some achievements. Farmers acquired skills through training which has empowered them to translate NAADS knowledge on their own. And working in groups has strengthened their relationships and sharing of ideas. These are some of the areas where the benefits of NAADS were realized. The study recommended that there is need to introduce women in top hierarchy management positions including; Sub-county chief, LC3 chairperson, NAADS coordinators and the extension service providers, and pay attention to the continue change of policy and empower farmers to benefit from NAADS effectively as well as increasing the number of extension service workers at district and Sub-county level.
Description
A thesis presented to the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Development Studies
Keywords
Agricultural Service Delivery, NAADS, Decentralized Governance, Arua District
Citation