Research Articles

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Browsing Research Articles by Author "Ejang, Mary"

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    Financial inclusion: Is it a precursor to agricultural commercialization amongst smallholder farmers in Uganda? A comparative analysis between Lango and Buganda sub-regions
    (Journal of Economics and International Finance, 2020) Eton, Marus; Mwosi, Fabian; Ejang, Mary; Poro, Sammy Godfrey
    This study examines the contributions of financial inclusion in supporting agricultural commercialization amongst smallholder farmers in Uganda in Lango and Buganda sub-regions. The researcher adopted a comparative study and cross-sectional survey design where descriptive, bivariate and multivariate data analysis was used. Chi square procedure was run to test the hypothesis that financial inclusion does not affect agricultural commercialization amongst smallholder farmers in Lango and Buganda sub-regions. Regression analysis was specifically used to predict the level of change in agricultural commercialization due to changes in financial inclusion. The study identified financial inclusion as one variable that can predict the success of agricultural commercialization, though it varies from one region to another. In Lango, efforts by government to increase financial access is a positive factor to agricultural commercialization while in Buganda, it is a negative factor. In Lango, land is communal and not individually owned. Therefore, smallholder farmers need to access finances to purchase land for commercial farming. In Buganda, however, land is freehold, which makes smallholder farmers to own chunks of land from their parents. The study has established some common factors that limit agricultural commercialization in both Lango and Buganda, that is, expensive equipment and fluctuating prices while poor infrastructure is no longer a big worry. This paper recommends that, financial service providers should revise their lending terms downwards to reach smallholder farmers, some of whom lack collateral security to pledge for credit. While the government takes credit for improving infrastructure, government, through her policy organs like ministry of agriculture, should provide buffer prices against price fluctuations.
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    Gender-Specific Entrepreneurship Programs: Understanding the Lived experiences of Rural Women Entrepreneurs In Amolatar Sub-Region, Uganda
    (Researchjournali’s Journal of Entrepreneurship, 2024) Akello, Judith Abal; Ebila, Florence; Ejang, Mary; Acanga, Alfred; Ayo, Harriet; Acio, Christine; Kabunga, Amir
    Women constitute a significant portion of the global population and play vital roles in economic development through entrepreneurial activities. Despite their potential, female entrepreneurs, especially in developing countries like Uganda, face numerous challenges including limited access to capital, education, and support networks. This study investigates the impact of gender-specific entrepreneurship programs on rural women in the Amolatar Sub-Region, Uganda, focusing on their experiences, challenges, and contributions to economic development. A phenomenological research design was employed to capture the lived experiences of rural women entrepreneurs. The study was conducted in the Amolatar Sub-Region of Uganda, involving 26 beneficiaries of the Uganda Women Empowerment Program (UWEP), two focus group discussions (FGDs), and two key informant interviews with cultural leaders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, FGDs, and document analysis, and were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five main themes emerged from the analysis: Economic Empowerment and Impact, where women reported significant improvements in their economic status through participation in UWEP, resulting in increased income and financial stability; Skill Development and Acquisition, where participants acquired essential business skills such as financial management and record-keeping, enhancing their ability to run and sustain their enterprises; Challenges and Resilience, where women faced obstacles including poor infrastructure, cultural barriers, and resistance from husbands but demonstrated resilience through group cohesion and adaptability; Gender Dynamics and Family Support, where support from husbands and family members varied, with a gradual shift in cultural attitudes towards women's economic participation; and Community Perception, Support, and Future Aspirations, where there was an evolving positive perception of women's roles, increased community support, and optimism about future business expansion and community development. Gender-specific entrepreneurship programs like UWEP significantly contribute to the economic empowerment of rural women in Amolatar, Uganda. The programs help women acquire crucial business skills, overcome challenges, and gain support from their families and communities. These initiatives are essential for fostering sustainable economic development and gender equality in rural areas. Keywords: Rural Women Entrepreneurs, Gender-Specific Programs, Economic Empowerment, Uganda Women Empowerment Program