Female headed households and their coping mechanisms in peri urban Uganda : a case study of Busukuma Sub-County Wakiso district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the coping mechanisms employed by female household heads in managing the socio-economic challenges they face. To examine attitudes and perceptions of community members towards female headed household and explore the strategies and opportunities that Female Headed Households can use to build on their livelihood. The study was conducted in Busukuma Sub County, Wakiso district. The study objectives were to to examine attitudes and perceptions of community members towards female headed household, find out the socio-economic challenges faced by female headed households in providing for their families, to find out how female headed households deal with the socio-economic challenges, and to suggest possible interventions for improving socio-economic conditions of female headed households. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods, qualitative data captured views and opinions of respondents in regard to their perceptions, attitudes and practices of female headed households while quantitative data captured and provided gender disaggregated data. In-depth and semi-structured interviews and observation formed an important source of information. The targeted population majorly consisted of female heads of household. Purposive method was used in selecting study area there was many female headed households languishing in poverty and the researcher was interested in knowing their survival mechanism. Purposive sampling method was used in selecting key informants. A sample of 92 respondents was selected. Data collection tools such as in-depth interview, interview guides, observation guides, Focus Group Discussions, open ended or closed ended questionnaires directly were administered to the different respondents. The study found out that the most pressing challenges faced by female headed households in supporting their families are; lack of basic needs. A big proportion of female heads 71.1% and 70% lacked school fees and scholastic materials for the children. Others lacked medical care, had no capital for income generating activities and lacked access to productive resources. Despite the challenges females heading households were coping by getting support from relatives and friends, borrowing money from individuals, women groups, microfinance institutions, money lenders, selling labour, engaging in non-formal trade, working hard, prioritizing expenditure while small numbers engaged in commercial sexual relationships which is risky. The study recommends strengthening mobilization, sensitization and support to female headed households with income generating activities and other self-sustaining projects so as to be empowered economically. This should be done by the key stakeholders in the community, district and other government agencies specific to gender and social economic development.