The need to encourage grassroots’ participation in poverty eradication: A study of Bulamogi Sub-County in Iganga District, Uganda.

Abstract

The study was setout to establish a need to encourage grassroot participation in poverty eradication in Bulamagi sub-county in Iganga district (Uganda). Its aim was to encourage grassroot participation in poverty eradication, find out the understanding of poverty, assess the reasons for the persistence of poverty, and establishes the role grassroot participation has played in poverty eradication and to examine the limitations to grassroot participation in poverty eradication in the area.

To realize the above objectives, the methodology employed involved the use of general survey research design. The study sample was selected using random sampling method. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides, observation, and library research for literature review.

The results reviled that poverty is a complex term with different definitions ranging from lack of food, and money, disease to ignorance and that these conditions persisted due to the presence of unethical leaders who practice corruption/embezzlement and political discrimination. The leader’s actions also explained the presence of poor transport and communication, price fluctuation, ignorance, and lack of guidance from government which makes poverty eradication difficult.

However, the grassroot population in Bulamagi were of the view that their participation leads to accountability, transparency, equality, justice, the rule of law, consensus, honesty, and respect and trust hence demanding more involvement.

The study further acknowledged that envy (fitina), corruption / embezzlement, limited political will, poor communication, illiteracy, demeaning / despising of the poor by administrators, and administrators fear to account for their failure as reasons for the limited grassroot participation in poverty eradication. This explains why 96% of the grassroot respondents were of the view that their ideas were not reflected in the poverty eradication programmes and projects.

To eradicate poverty, this study suggested the needed to assist local governments to develop and use participatory methodologies, which can be used to enlist grassroot participation and that this should be accompanied with making the study of ethics compulsory for all, well dissemination of information on poverty eradication at all levels of implementation, putting in place strong penalties for those who abuse public offices, availing the IG with more resources and power, identifying what each society is capable of producing and putting in place demonstration farms to help the poor.