Role of non-governmental organizations in the alleviation of poverty among rural women: A comparative study of CEEWA-U and NAWOU in Mpigi and Kayunga districts

Abstract

This research study investigated the role of Non-Governmental Organizations in alleviation of poverty among rural women of Uganda using CEEWA-U and NAWOU in Mpigi and Kayunga districts respectively. The study set to establish: the contributions of CEEWA-U and NAWOU in poverty alleviation; challenges encountered by NGOs in poverty alleviation; ethical issues faced in poverty eradication. The researcher collected primary data using interviews and questionnaires and secondary data was gathered using content analysis. The study consisted of 90 respondents who involved local community women and CEEWA-U and NAWOU workers. These were selected using both stratified and purposive sampling techniques. The study established that local community women had access to small loans from CEEWA - U, women associations had been formed, community had benefited by diversifying their agriculture practices, respondents acknowledged getting exposed to computer training and acquiring skills - and enlightenment on gender empowerment issues in relation to their economic activities as some of the contributions made by CEEWA-U and NAWOU. The study explored that ,poor road network poor saving culture of the people, women dependency syndrome, unrealized women rights, lack of good government policies in line with women, lack of mechanism for long term loans, poor marketing strategy, land tenure system, and small scale production. The exploration realized that marginalized society, initiative community, formation of associations and economic activity were ethical issues considered project allocation. The study concluded that individuals, government, and/or organizations set to alleviative poverty in Uganda should appreciate the role of agriculture training. The study concluded on subsidized loans to rural farmers and need to provide long term loans. It was concluded that there is need to protect women rights if they are to be economically empowered. The study recommended that government should provide local community women with long term loans that could help boost their agricultural practices. Sensitization and mobilization of the communities should be emphasized so that communities can come to understand and appreciate the poverty alleviation projects and related benefits.