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 equatorial climatic conditions [reliable rainfall and warm temperatures]) make the potential for agriculture real 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: what agricultural practices are in Buikwe District? What is the role of agriculture in the socio-economic development of Buikwe District? What strategies can transform agriculture in Buikwe District? The study was qualitative and conducted using a case study design and a non-probability sampling technique involving purposive 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. During the interviews and observations, the researcher noted down in his diary the relevant issues (episodes, situations, events or instances) for accurate reporting. The main themes that emerged from the field notes and interviews were noted down. 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 sugarcanes]. The study also found out that the role of x agriculture in the socio-economic development of Buikwe District included the reduction in poverty, generation of employment and business opportunities and enhancement of food security. Lastly, the study established that among the strategies for transforming agriculture in Buikwe district included: land reforms, multi-sector approach, investments [both private and government] that foster agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, market integration, infrastructural development and capacity building. The study concludes by noting that the farming practices in Buikwe District will for some years to come largely remain at subsistence or small scale [with increasing commercialization] not until those who wield power and influence realize the role of agriculture in community transformation. Given the lack of immediate alternatives, the transformation of Buikwe District through agriculture will be the main stay of life though at a pedestrian speed. This will be the case given the structural bottlenecks that infest the agricultural sector [and the economy of Uganda as a whole]. Buikwe District could become a major agricultural hub in Uganda ifthere were substantial investments in the infrastructure [power, roads, storage and facilities], sustainable use of land resources, capacity building [manpower training .and development] and agrarian land reforms. Short of this, transforming agriculture in Buikwe District will continue to be a dream with no light at the end of the tunnel. The study recommends the need for agrarian land reforms, capacity building and investment in the infrastructure as a way of reforming the agricultural practices in Buikwe District [in order to harness the agricultural potential that is largely unexploited]; increased investment in agriculture given the strong multiplier effect and linkages it generates in the transformation of Buikwe District; and substantial investments in the infrastructure [power, roads, storage and facilities], sustainable use of land resources, capacity building [manpower training and development] and agrarian land reforms as a way of transforming agriculture in Buikwe District