CHALLENGES FACED BY FAMILIES HEADED BY CHILDREN IN RURAL
AREAS: A CASE STUDY OF BUDE SUB COUNTY IN MPIGI DISTRICT
BY
OTAMUTENZYA AGGREY
BD5135574/1 13/DU
A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE~ COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND
SOCIAL SCIENCES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF A
BACHELORS DEGREE IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES OF KAMPALA
INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
JUNE, 2014
DECLARATION
I OTAMUTENZYA AGGREY, REG No. BDS/3557411131DU, cordially declare that this
report has been produced to the best of my knowledge and experience, and it has never been
submitted to any Higher institution of learning for any award of either Degree or Diploma.
Signed Date
APPROVAL
This research Report is submitted for examination with my approval as a University supervisor.
Signature ~MS.MARGARET ILADOT
UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR
DATE:..VS~ D\L~
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to my father Mr.Tibakuna George and my Mother Mrs. Peace Tibakuna
for their support and participation during my studies.
III
ACKNOWLEGMENT
I owe a lot of a appreciation to all those who assisted me in carrying out this research.
I am grateful to my supervisor Ms.Margaret Iladot who tirelessly went through my work and
inspired me to dig deeper into the core of the matter. Her kind criticism , patience and
understanding assisted me a great deal.
I am indebted to my friends Toskin Brian, Lepera David, Natumanya Jackline , Aryemo
Mariam, Erimia Milton and Etuko Emmy Brian who gave me encouragement in time of
difficulties. Thanks also goes to all those lecturers who impacted professionalism into my work.
I wish to thank my family for their love, financial support and inspiration during my stay at the
University.
Finally, I would like to thank all my respondents and those within a short notice without which
this work would not have been possible.
iv
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
UNICEF United Nations International Children Emergency Fund
CHH Child Headed Households
OCBO Orphan Community Based Organization
LWF World Federation
WV World Vision
NGOs Non Governmental Organisations
COTO Children living on their own
HIV Human Immune Virus
OVC Orphans and Vulnerable Children
WHO World Health Organization
TASO The Aids Support Organization
V
TABLE OF CONTENTSDECLARATIONAPPROVALDEDICATIONACKNOWLEGMENT ivLIST OF ACRONYMS vTABLE OF CONTENTS viABSTRACTCHAPTER ONE 11.1 Introduction i1.2 Background to the study i1.3 Statement of the problem 31.4 Scope of the study 41.4.1 Geographical scope 41.4.2 Content scope 41.4.3 Time scope 41.5 Definition of terms 51.6 Purpose of the study 51.7 Objectives of the study 51.7.1 General objective 51.7.2 Specific objectives 51.8 Research questions 51.9 Significance of the study 610. Conceptual frame work 6CHAPTER TWO 7LITERATURE REVIEW 72.0 Introduction 72.1 Definition ofa child 72.2 The phenomenon of child-headed families 72.3 What else do the surveys tell us about child-headed families9 82.4 Financial challenges 82.5 The social challenges 92.5.1 Health 102.5.2 Loss of social status 102.5.3 Rural Hunger 112.5.4 Substance abuse 112.5.5 Lack of infrastructure 122.6 The possible solutions to the problems faced by families headed by children in rural areas. 122.7 HIV/AIDS Social Economic trends 13CHAPTER THREE 15METHODOLOGY 153.1 Introduction 153.2 Research design 153.3 Area of study 153.4 Sampling 153.5 Sample size and structure 15
vi
3.6 Data collection instruments 163.6.1 Questionnaire 163.6.2 Interviewing 163.6.3 Observation 163.6.4 Documentary review 173.7 Data processing 173.7.1 Editing 173.7.2 Coding 173.7.3 Tabulation 173.7.4 Data analysis and presentation 173.7.5 Ethical consideration 173.7.6 Major limitations of the study 18CHAPTER FOUR 19PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
194.1 Introduction 194.2 Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents 194.3 Characteristics of the beneficiaries 194.4 Financial challenges for the families headed by children 224.5 Social challenges of the families headed by children 25~•~ ssible lutio ~~~
CHAPTER FIVE 32SUMMARRY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMEDATION 325.1 Introduction 325.2 Summary of findings 325.3 Conclusions 335.4 Recommendations 33REFERENCES 34APPENDICES 36APPENDIX 1: QUESTIONAIRE FOR HOUSE HOLD HEADS AND CHILDREN 37
VII
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the challenges faced by families headed by children
in rural areas: a case study of Bude Sub County in Mpigi district. Specific objectives of the study
were to: examine the challenges faced by families headed by children in rural areas; assess the
possible solutions to the problems faced by families headed by children in rural areas; establish
the social challenges families headed by children in rural areas face and make recommendations
that can help the reduce cases of child headed homesteads.
The study employed a descriptive study design with a triangulation of both quantitative and
qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. The qualitative methods involved, in-depth
interviews with key informants, observation, documentation, focused group discussions and
personal interviewing.
Data analysis involved content analysis from literature reviewed, manual analysis of primary
data using excel and Microsoft word. The major finding was that girls are potential victims of
domestic violence on their education and this is exhibited in the forms of early drop out of
schools, early marriages, and family discriminations.
The study recommended more research work is required to clearly understand the challenges
faced by families headed by children in rural areas and Bude sub county in particular especially
where in areas where such cases are many. This would be a stepping stone for establishing
strategies for reducing such cases in other rural areas in Uganda.
VIII
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction
This report highlights the challenges faced by families headed Children in Mpigi district Bude
Sub County.
1.2 Background to the study
HIV/AIDS epidemic has emerged as perhaps the most serious threat to the survival growth and
development of Africa children in the 21st century.
The 1991 Uganda population and house census found out that over I Million are orphans while
these figures are only projection they serve as a dramatic warning of fragile and uncertain future
for children themselves for communities in which they live and for the government charged with
providing basic social services for its citizens. The study aimed at evaluating socio-economic
impact of the epidemic conducted in central Kampala in 1988 showed that 16% of the
households reported that at least one child had lost a mother father or both parents due to
HIV/AIDS and wars. (Rule of all 1989, pp 3631)
The 1991 Uganda population and housing census reported that about 15,000 orphans were
households and over 23,000 were married, expected to make tough decisions on the welfare of
the households and coping with demanding obligation to their lives still through inadequate vital
registration systems and incomplete census have impended estimates of extent of AIDS, adult
mortality and consequently orphan hood in sub-Saharan Africa. However 10 numbers, status and
the heads of vulnerability children fund carried out a study and four districts were selected for
analysis, Mpigi, and Masaka district estimated to have a large number of children orphaned by
Aids and wars. Luzze, Fredrick; Ssedyabule, David (2004)
The orphaned children faced considerable deprivation and uncertainty of the future about their
custody arrangement and financial status and that is why they divided to take over the leadership
of their families. The situation has been worsened in Uganda with a report of dispossession or
orphans poverty and general poverty in rural areas. Because HIV/AIDS has affected entire
families and communities, it has already influenced the changing pattern of family structures.
The Africa family has traditionally been the major factor responsible for the health of individuals
and their future. Foster, Geoff et al (1997).
1
According to UNICEF, the problem of how the extended family continue to provide food,
clothing, and education expenses, love and affection for these orphans may soon become the
highest social challenges in AIDS affected continues of Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS mortality
nom and in the future will result in the creation of thousands of orphans for whom basic needs
will have to be provided. The basic needs provide the regular mineral requirements of food,
honesty, clothing, bedding, heat and education. (UNICEF 1990).
This means that the system of vital economic indicator is required to evaluate the actual
situation, the desired situation, deficiency of supply of each particular case and the success of
special measures in the various areas of basic needs. As family structures have changed children
do not find their original extended traditional family to cater for them because AIDS almost
heals every adult sometimes leaving the elderly. With reports of poverty disposition, children
who are even under 18 years of age decide to take over the leadership of the family. In most
Uganda communities therefore, children’s role as heads of households and bread winners have
not only increased but continued to be challenged by the poor environment that is social,
cultural and political the resultant effect has been the under increase in poor child care and up
bringing practices. The government of Uganda recognizes the intensity of the challenges of child
headed households however due to resource constraints and the rapidly increasing number of
orphans in terms of information needs as growing citizens of the country. There is also
increased vulnerability of child headed house hold or they live in a situation of social, economic
and psychological disadvantage. Andrew Dunn, Suzan Hunter, (1991)
Thus the study of the functioning and the challenges of child headed households in the era of
AIDs and war was deemed significant in identifying the mechanisms through which the features
of the evolving epidemic are being controlled and modifying the composition, roles and capacity
of households and families to cope with their basic need and unusual demands at all.
The responsibility of males and heads of households have changed as even females have been
taken up the hardships of families after the death of their parents. The above situation is observed
in Bude sub county Mpigi district, it should be noted that due to little efforts taken to the
challenges noted above, it I important to investigate its challenges the female and males child
heads meet in their struggle to acquire households needs at house hold needs of financial
social and psychological level.
2
1.3 Statement of the problem
Many children in Uganda face a lot of Challenges, taking care of themselves is not a easy thing
due to the little knowledge of taking responsibility, lack of financial support, these children hold
little income and even people who have jobs where these children can work in to get some
money fear to give them jobs . The constitution of Uganda safe guards the rights of the children
as vulnerable people, further still, Non Governmental Organisations, religious sectors, the
country and families themselves should protect and guide well children by providing parenting,
educating them, providing basic needs and directing them in right way. Ministry of Gender,
Labour and Social Development (2003)
However many parents have failed to observe their responsibilities, the above has not have been
the case; the HJV/AIDS has led to the suffering of and children in different areas and wars
consequences in the making of epidemic, long and expensive illness, which resulted in adults,
mortality have increased which has led to poverty and deprivation of the basic necessities in the
affected households, this is especially true when it comes to families headed by girls.
Therefore, the researcher will investigate what financial, social challenges and possible
solutions to challenges and therefore, children heading households in Bude Sub county Mpigi
district such information would be helpful on what would be done to the problem so that clear
policies are designed to implement the welfare of Ugandan children.
Although several studies have been conducted in Mpigi district, especially on the living
conditions, coping mechanisms and strategies in Child Headed Families, none of these studies
has focused on helping establish the magnitude of the Child Headed Families problem in the
District. These studies mainly conducted by Non Governmental Organisations working with
Orphans and Vulnerable Children and by postgraduate students, have also been limited in scope
since their areas of coverage have been small.
The Orphan Community Based Organisation (OCBO) had over the years attempted to develop a
database on Child Headed Families and other vulnerable children in the district. Owing mainly to
logistical factors, this process has not been brought to fruition. Along this effort, other Non
Governmental Organisations notably World Vision (WV) and the Lutheran World Federation
(LWF) had gone ahead to conduct CHH counts in their areas of operation. UAC 2006
3
Unfortunately, such efforts have been covering only respective program areas, which represent
only a small portion of the District. It has also been very difficult to synchronize data from these
efforts due to the absence of one common definition by the different players of what entails a
Child Headed Families. Terminologies used by different Non Governmental Organizations to
refer to Child Headed Families have for example, tended to include terms like; Children living
on their own (COTO), Child Headed Families (Child Headed Families) or Children families.
Different Non Governmental Organisations have also used different criteria to define what
constitutes a Child Headed Families. For example, OCBO has been very emphatic on the age of
the child head. In this case, once the child head grew beyond 18 years and is thus legally
considered to be an adult, then his/her household ceased to be considered a Child Headed
Families. Luzze, F. 2002.
Lastly, while the research team is aware that the National Population Census 2002 will definitely
provide important data on Child Headed Families, the information to be generated from that
source is unlikely to be sufficient for planning and design of programs specifically targeting this
vulnerable group of children. It was therefore, found imperative to conduct this study.
MacLellan, M. 2005.
1.4 Scope of the study
1.4.1 Geographical scope
The study covered the whole of Bude sub county mainly focusing on the orphans, adolescents
mother and fathers and extend orphans under the care of guardians and those children with one
parent because they do not suit the definition of road children heads of families.
1.4.2 Content scope
The study was confined on the concept of child headed families only in Bude sub county
located within Mpigi district.
1.4.3 Time scope
The study covered a period often years, and that is from September 2003 to August 2013.
4
1.5 Definition of terms
Challenges,
This relates the problem or obstacles the child heads of the households meet in their attempt to
provide for the needs of their dependants.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is virus that causes the low immunity (AIDS)
1.6 Purpose of the study
The purpose of the study was to find out the challenges faced by families headed by children in
rural areas.
1.7 Objectives of the study
1.7.1 General objective
To find out the challenges faced by families headed by children in rural areas in Bude sub
country Mpigi district
1.7.2 Specific objectives
The study was aimed at;
i). Examining the challenges faced by families headed by children in rural areas.
ii). To assessing the possible solutions to the problems faced by families headed by children in
rural areas.
iii). Establishing the social challenges families headed by children in rural areas face.
1.8 Research questions
i). What are the financial challenges children heading families in rural areas?
ii). What are some of the possible solutions to the problems faced families headed by children in
rural areas?
iii). What are the effects of child headed families in rural areas?
5
1.9 Significance of the study
i). The findings of the study helped to give out empirical data that would be used by planners
and policy makers to address and design programmes to challenge the problems related with
child households.
ii). The study finds were a foundation for future research on the challenges and phenomena of
child headed households to international organizations like save the children, UNICEF.
iii).The study was to provide relevant information for academic reference to the department of
social work and social administration.
10. Conceptual frame work
An analysis of the challenges faced by families headed by children in rural areas
Independent variable dependent variable
Government support
Provision of good publicservices
e Financial challenges
o Social challenges
o Health challenges
o Loss of social status
o Poor parental love
o Discrimination
o Poor feeding
Intervening
Donations from NGOs
6
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
This section was attempted to review the related literature which will be documented by previous
researcher regarding the challenges faced by child headed households. The literature was sub
divided under the following sections; the financial challenges, social and the possible solutions to
the problem faced by families headed by children in rural areas.
2.1 Definition of a child
Child may also describe a relationship with a parent (such as sons and daughters of any age) or,
metaphorically, an authority figure, or signify group membership in a clan, tribe, or religion; it
can also signify being strongly affected by a specific time, place, or circumstance, as in “a child
of nature” or “a child of the Sixties”.
There are many social issues that affect children, such as childhood education, bullying, child
poverty, dysfunctional families and in developing countries, hunger. Children can be raised by
parents, in a foster care or similar supervised arrangement, guardians or partially raised in a day
care center.
2.2 The phenomenon of child-headed families
The increasing morbidity and mortality rates among adults as a result of the HIV/AIDS
pandemic, poverty, violence, crime and motor vehicle accidents have resulted in growing
numbers of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). The extremely rapid rate of orphan hood
and destitution among children makes it difficult for families and communities to respond in a
traditional manner of taking these children into extended families. The situation has led to the
emergence of a new form of a family structure: a household headed by one of the affected
children, or simply a child-headed families. Luzze, Fredrick; Ssedyabule, David (2004)
The phenomenon of Child Headed Families is complex and multifaceted. It impacts on the
societal framework and has profound implications for the well-being of children and the
realisation of their rights. It disrupts family and community functioning and affects the rearing
7
and development of children. For the purpose of this study, a Child Headed Families was
recognised as a situation where a child or youth had taken charge of a household in terms of
decision-making and responsibility to provide for the physical, social and emotional needs of
others living with him/her in that household, regardless of relationship. Luzze, Fredrick (2002)
2.3 What else do the surveys tell us about child-headed families?
Children in child-headed households live in conditions that are on average worse than those in
mixed-generation households. Child-headed households are less likely to live in formal
dwellings, or to have access to adequate sanitation and water on site. This is partly because they
are disproportionately located outside of cities, where better services are available. Very few
children in child-headed households are working to earn income (6% of child headed households
have an employed household member over 15 years). Monk, Neil (2000).
Social grants are an important source of income for millions of people in Uganda. As children in
child-headed households are older, on average, than in mixed-generation households, fewer
children fall within the eligible age threshold for child support grants (up to 14 years). In
addition, there are no pensioners living in these households. This means that child-headed
households will have less access to income support through social grants. Uganda Aids
Commission (2008)
Remittances money sent by family members or other adults living elsewhere are the main source
of income for child-headed households (77%). This suggests that the majority of children living
in these circumstances are not forced into self-sufficiency and do have some kind of support.
However, the reliance on remittances in the absence of earnings and grants means income may
be unreliable. Uganda Aids Commission (2008)
The vast majority of children in child-headed households attend school (95%). This is the same
attendance rate as reported for children in mixed-generation households.
2.4 Financial challenges
The financial situation of child headed households in most cases is very poorer than those headed
by adult and full parent. According to Lynn 1964 the risk of poverty among child headed
S
households is also greened by lack of government support and appropriate policies. The former
Tanzania president the late Julius Nyerere asked the question” must we strive or children to pay
our debts” in this he was referring in extricable child labour backed by poverty and that it was
this poverty that had distorted the economic and financial development of child headed
households. Anurah Enn (1995)
In support of this 2 ¼ children heading families live below poverty link as compared to one out
often (1/10) real parent headed families, thus this makes survival hard for families headed by
children. Kaheeru 1999 looked at income insecurity that has limited access to productive
resource line and He noted the possibility of illegal selling of property by surviving relatives or
the selling of land to meet medication cost when the parents are sick. There in case is reduced the
land as it is sold and this ease the children with little or no land where is practice agriculture on
to farm. The absence of land been noted as a key hardship to child headed households especially
girl children who are actually for bide from inheriting land from their male relatives. Kaheeru
(1989)
Contributing to the factors responsible financial among child headed households Lindsey 1990
noted that some children engage in petty jobs, which are low paying like working on other
people and fetching water. This therefore will result into realization of mega income that are far
from being adequate which can meet the basic needs of the family live hood, shelter, clothing’s,
medication plus education.
2.5 The social challenges
Auslaberry and Watson (1989) observed the changes that occur when children change
residences. He noted that with the death of parents when children relocate to remote areas from
urban areas especially after selling off of the property in the urban areas. The situation is
intorolleable this is because when you reach in rural areas they miss some of the amenities they
previously enjoyed in urban centre. They will thus face big challenges of staying in poor
conditions in rural areas, this is hard to adjust too because not only do they require adjustment to
the new neighborhood but also more or less important adjustments to the social networks,
friendship, tie of the new community in which they are forced to leave in.
9
Other scholars further noted that many child headed households are forced by their kines to live
on their own this means that since the children are young they cannot put up a conducive shelter
and may find themselves in situations of wondering with no specific shelter. Uganda Aids
Commission (2008)
Some Non Governmental Organisations in Mpigi working with orphans noted that some children
would afford to put up wall but could lack roofing materials especially iron sheets. Roofing
becomes a problem as a result of the sick parents having removed the roofing’s to meet the
medical while still alive. Owen and shoara 1982
2.5.1 Health
It has been noted that poor health is a problem of the families headed by children in rural areas.
UNICEF 1987 noted that because these children live in disadvantaged environment
characterized by poverty, lack of good sanitary services, drinking water from unprotected
services especially poor wells, they are often prone to diseases like Malaria, diarrhea, dysentery,
and cholera. UNICEF further points out that problems live on the edge of survival with poor
health facilities, because the families are poor even when children fall sick they don’t get
adequate medication, they are not taken for medical examination since what they can afford they
are few tablets. What this means is that the diseases continues growing (Pascal 2000 pp 2-4)
noted that young children who are born infected with HIV/AIDS by the parents are prone to
constant attacks by diseases like malaria and because those families are poor , poverty brings
illness and in the end it creates a vicious cycle of poverty and diseases. (Pascal 2000)
2.5.2 Loss of social status
Socially there is disregard towards families headed by children in rural areas; this is a challenge
which makes them lose respect and social dignity. What has been happening is that the
increasing number of orphans due to AIDs has created a selfish situation where by the
community and relatives feel that orphans are too many to be helped. They have shammed by
even their immediate relatives who look for at them as possible dependent, who are going to
drain their wealth again the lack of proper socialization; followed by mal adjustment has grossly
affected the social development of children. According to a study carried out by Andrew Dunn,
Suzan Hunter, in 1991.
10
It was found out that children whose parents were victims of Aids faced stigmatization from
their counter parts and this will result into growing up with a sense of guilt and shame which
will affect their socialization among economic, health and welfare system, Ankrah Em 1995
found out that the community itself was tired of orphans as a result even guardians were now
ready to live by themselves only she therefore called for communities to learn how to deal with
social problems that would affect them and which are almost part of their daily living. Uganda
Bureau of Statistics (UNBOS) (2007)
2.5.3 Rural Hunger
Rates of food insecurity among rural households is generally lower than urban households, but
slightly higher than the national average. The irony is that many of these food-insecure
households are in the very rural and farm communities whose productivity feeds the world and
provides low-cost wholesome food for American consumers.
Challenges facing rural areas differ from metro/urban areas in several significant ways:
o Employment is more concentrated in low-wage industries;
o Unemployment and underemployment are greater;
o Education levels are lower;
o Work-support services, such as flexible and affordable child care and public transportation,
are less available;
The rural marketplace offers less access to communication and transportation networks and
Offers companies less access to activities that foster administration, research and
development.
2.5.4 Substance abuse
Although overall substance abuse rates in rural areas (7.5 percent) are slightly lower than in
urban areas (8.8 percent to 9.4 percent), usage can vary by subpopulation or drug. For example, a
national study found methamphetamine and stimulant usage to be higher among youth in
counties with the smallest populations and a higher prevalence of methamphetamine use for
adults in all nonmetropolitan counties (Gfroerer, Larson, & Colliver, 2007).
11
Additionally, substance abuse treatment in rural areas like Bude sub county is more difficult to
access, particularly treatment that provides intensive services . (Lenardson & Gale, 2008).
2.5.5 Lack of infrastructure
Rural poverty is often a product of poor infrastructure that hinders development and mobility.
Rural areas tend to lack sufficient roads that would increase access to agricultural inputs and
markets. Without roads, the rural poor are cut off from technological development and emerging
markets in more urban areas. Poor infrastructure hinders communication, resulting in social
isolation among the rural poor, many of whom have limited access to media and news outlets.
Such isolation hinders integration with urban society and established markets, which could result
in greater development and economic security.
Moreover, poor or nonexistent irrigation systems threaten agricultural yields because of
uncertainty in the supply of water for crop production. Many poor rural areas lack any irrigation
to store or pump water, resulting in fewer crops, fewer days of employment and less
productivity. Both a lack of roads and insufficient irrigation systems result in greater Work
Intensity in many rural communities.
Researchers at the ODI conducted a literature review to assess the relationship between all types
of roads and both their security impacts and the effects of road building on access to for example
health and education (service delivery) particularly in fragile, sparsely populated and/or
ill-served rural areas in developing countries.
2.6 The possible solutions to the problems faced by families headed by children in rural
areas
The government should improve its public services thus reaching the standards of people in rural
areas.
Children who are staying alone in households should be provided with services like essential
needs such as food, shelter, clothing, education among others.
They should be provided with security free from sexual abuse especially on the side of girls,
provision of guidance and counseling.
12
More medical health centers should be established in needy areas to render health support to
such needy children.
More infrastructures like schools should be established so as to provide free education to the
children which will help shape future and avoid juvenile deliquesce.
Financial support should also be rendered to child headed families especially from the area local
leaders like Mps, inform of basic needs and essential so as to provide them with a happy living.
2.7 HIV/AIDS Social Economic trends
The first AIDS cases in Uganda were recorded in districts like Mpigi, Rakai in 1982. Within
very few years, cases were recorded along main trade routes in the district, and the relentless
growth of the problem was revealed in the 1993 research conducted by the Rakai Project
(Colombia University- USA). The research showed that Mpigi District was one of the areas of
the World most severely affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It was further found that there
were higher infection rates in trading centres than in the rural areas. Females in the 13-19 age
group had alarmingly higher infection rates than males in the same age group in trading centres.
Lesser gender differences in infection rates were observed among the 20-29 age group and
above. However, in the rural areas higher infection rates were reported among the 30-39 age
group. Lutheran World Federation
With many people in the productive age group being infected, the labour force has been
weakened. Prolonged sickness and gradual failing health due to the disease has meant “on and
off’ absenteeism and high labour turn over as PWAs fail to cope with regular work. This has
negatively affected labour productivity in agriculture, industry, service and informal sectors with
severe implications to family revenue and food security at household level.
Households, the traditional extended families (where close relatives take care of the orphans),
and local communities, especially community based groups and self-help groups bear much of
the increased social burden (taking care of the sick, orphans etc.) of AIDS. The principal
manifestation is the growing number of orphans in the district. The reported number of orphans.
in the district was over 40,000 in 2002, up from 36,661 in September 1995.
13
The traditional extended family system has been weakened due to death of parents and relatives
from AIDS. This has given rise to the increasing number of child headed households. An earlier
study by LWF (2000) identified over 310 child-headed households and 9,846 orphans in Kabula
and Kooki counties. Many guardians are themselves vulnerable/handicapped, as they cannot
maintain fully their own households due to barriers of poverty, illness and difficult village
circumstances.
14
CHAPTER THREEMETHODOLOGY
3,1 Introduction
This section was focused on the procedures of presenting, justifying and analyzing the data under
the following sub topics; research design area of study population of study, sample selection, the
sample size, data collection and analysis.
3.2 Research design
A case study research design was designed to adopt and involved the use of qualitative methods
on findings out the challenges faced by child headed households in Bude sub county Mpigi
district.
3.3 Area of study
This was conducted in Mpigi district, one of the districts in Uganda found in central Uganda. The
population of Mpigi district the big population in this district is of Buganda tribe and the main
language used is Luganda. The choice of the study area was based on Mpigi district because
this area was affected by Aids and Wars this leads to the possibility of a large research study
population.
3.4 Sampling
Respondents was purposively selected in order to enable the researcher, identify respondents
with a clear understating of the research problem. The choice to use purposive sampling was to
enable the researcher select a sample that is just convenient for the study.
3.5 Sample size and structure
The sample size was limited to 80 members (80) 65 were children heading families (15) were
local leaders.
15
Table 1: Sample structure
Category Frequency Percentage
Childheadedhousehold 65 81.25%
Local leaders 15 18.75%
Total 80 100
3.6 Data collection instruments
There are two major instruments that were used in data collection and these include; a
questionnaire for the family hold respondents and the interview guide for the key informants.
Another instrument was to capture the salient responses of all the respondents of the study.
3.6.1 Questionnaire
Questionnaires were therefore used to collect data from 65 children about their challenges. The
questions were about their challenges; the questions were closely structured with questions open
ended to allow a variety of views and ideas.
3.6.2 Interviewing
This is one of the most recommended methods of data collection especially for social research.
The method involved an interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee. The interaction
is either face to face or over the phone. For this research, in particular, this method is used on
almost all planned respondents including key respondents. The interview guide or schedule is
used as the tool for this method. A key informant interview guide was used and 5 responses
from local leaders, this guided the interview and generated exhaustive from the informants.
3.6.3 Observation
The researcher used an observation method in getting the information through seeing practical
things because the researcher wants to direct information from the ground.
16
3.6.4 Documentary review
The researcher used a documentary review where various document concerning challenges faced
by child headed households were revived in order to attain various information like magazines
textbooks, internets and others.
3.7 Data processing
These tasks were undertaken through organization of the data into meaningful and
understandable categories for easy interpretation. This involved editing, coding, tabulating and
analysis of the data collected.
3.7.1 Editing
Editing was be done by the researcher himself after data collection to ensure accuracy and
consistency to the answers generated with the question needs.
3.7.2 Coding
Answer to close ended question was coded and frequencies for each was developed, the answers
which appeared more than one time was detected by frequencies. This helped the researcher to
match answers obtained in a meaningful pattern.
3.7.3 Tabulation
The researcher used tables in some sections of the study to find out frequencies of certain
responses for the purpose of easier statistical analysis and summarization of the data collected.
The tables was based on the variable that was identified to guide the study.
3.7.4 Data analysis and presentation
Quantitative data was analyzed through the use of percentage and frequencies, qualitative data
will be organized into meaningful patterns for better and easier interpretation, direct questions
from the respondents will also be used to present information from the research.
3.7.5 Ethical consideration
As much as possible, question that compromise privacy of respondents were assured in advance
of maximum confidentiality was the way the researcher treats views.
17
Permissions were sought during interview for their views; this was done purposely to avoid
suspicion, shyness and non-response.
3.7.6 Major limitations of the study
The research was not independent of problems for they include the following;
The major problem was that respondents were quite young to be able to generate qualitative and
feasible responses to be relied on. This was therefore frustrated the initial efforts of the
researcher using structured questionnaires; the researcher however solved this problem by
phrasing the questions in simpler open-ended question manner for the respondents through
question by question with the respondents to make sure that relevant data was generated.
The researchers initial efforts to interview the respondents, this was because the researcher
attributed to the emotional attachment of the subject variables i.e. child headed, HIV/AIDs.
18
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF
FINDINGS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter presents findings, interpretation and analysis of data based on the responses from
members of families headed by children. The study is based on responses of 20 of these
households in BUDE Sub County and key informants whose views highly relevant to the study.
Some respondents felt shy to talk about HIV.AIDs because they suspected being singled out
because of being infected.
The research was expensive because it required training respondents for many times or more
than one time in villages in order to return the questionnaires and it also required sponsor.
Uganda community based association for child welfare and UNICEF 2008
4.2 Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents
The sex of the respondents was predominantly made. This constituted 68.75% of males of the
family members interviewed compared to 31.25% of the families who were females.
4.3 Characteristics of the beneficiaries
Table 2 shows the Sex respondents
Responses Frequency Percentages %
Male 55 68.75%
Female 25 31.25%
Total 80 100%
Source: primary data
Table 2 shows the sex respondents this constituted 68.75% of the family members interviewed
were male and 31.25% of the family who were females. This however rules out the bias on
gender since all parties where represented in the study.
19
Table 3: Age differences of the households members
Responses Frequency Percentage %
5-9 8 10%
10-17 72 90%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
There was no significant age differential between the males and females interviewed majority of
the children were aged between 10-17 years which was 10% (15/20) while 90% of the
respondents aged 5-9 years (5/20).
Table 4: Level of education
Response Frequency Percentage
Primary 10 12.5%
Secondary 62 77.5%
Tertiary / university 8 10%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
Table 4 shows that 12.5% of respondents acquired primary education while 77,5% acquired
secondary level of education and only 10%. Of respondents acquire university level of education,
and this indicated that since the respondents are children, it means they had acquired high
education.
20
Table 5: Religious affiliation
Responses Frequency Percentage
Protestants 40 50%
Muslims 25 3 1.25%
Catholics 10 12.5%
Others 5 6.25%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
Table 5 presents the religious affiliation thus Protestants were the biggest dominion of the
respondents with 50%, Muslims the second with 31.25%, Catholics with 12.5% respondents and
other religions had 6.25% respondents thus all parties in religion were respected.
Fig 1 shows Religious affiliation
Protestants
Muslims
n Catholics
~ Others
Fig I shows Protestants were the biggest dominion of the respondents with 50%, Muslims the
second with 3 1.25%, Catholics with 12.5% respondents and other religions had 6.25%
respondents
21
Table 6: Occupation
Response Frequency Percentage
Farming 30 37.5%
Self employed 25 31.25%
Business and trade 15 18.75%
Others 10 12.5%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
Table 6 shows that out of 80 respondents 37.5% are in farming, 31.25% are self-employed,
18.75% are in business and trade and 12.5% are in other occupation, there are no professionals.
The above also portrays that farming is the major income earning activity engaged in by the
respondents 3 7.5/80 of the households engaged in farming. This high forming involvement of
the respondents was attributed to Bude being agricultural area and having fertile soils where crop
growing in the order of the day for the people in the area and most of the incomes come from
farming because crops like beans, maize, cassava, potatoes, and others grow well in the farming
is easier 10 engage in than only other activity because it requires little capital and has quick
accruing benefits compared to business and trade plus, other income generating activities; the
researcher realized in at least more than one activity to increase their incomes and also due to
their having many members who can diversify in their occupational engagement. Ministry of
Gender, Labour and Social Development (2003)
4.4 Financial challenges for the families headed by children
The income and expenditure challenges for the families headed by children, The researcher
under took a more detailed investigation which ascertain how much income these families earn
through the numerous possible income generating activities. These child headed households
members engage in. the findings of the researcher highlighted the fact that these families have
numerous needs which are unsatisfied due to low earnings from the activities substituted with
local provisions.
22
Table 7: Showing whether families headed by children are employed.
Responses Frequency Percentage
Yes 15 18.75%
No 65 81.25%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
Table 7 shows that out of 80
8 1.25% are not employed and
their families.
respondents 18.75% are employed and can support their families
thus shows that these children has a low income and can’t support
Fig 2: Shows whether child headed households are employed.
Fl Employed Unemployed
81%
According to the study findings in Table 7 and in figure 2 above, the biggest percentage of
unemployed individuals which is 81% and those who were employed were 19%
23
Table 8: Showing whether child heading families go to school
Response Frequency Percentage
Yes 10 12.5%
No 70 87.5%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
Table 8 shows that out of 80 respondents 12.5% go to school and 87.5% don’t go to school
because of financial crisis.
In respect to table 8 above, respondents who didn’t go school were the majority with 87.5% of
the total sample and 12.5/5 of the respondents were going to school. This is so because of factors
like financial crisis within their families, some serve as orphans and some have just been denied
the right to education by their parents.
Fig 3 shows whether families headed by children go to school
Frequency
Percentage
Fig 4 shows that out of 80 respondents 12.5% go to school and 87.5% don’t go to school because
of financial crisis. This is so because of factors like financial crisis within their families, some
serve as orphans and some have just been denied the right to education by their parents thus
being denied a bright future.
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Yes No Total
24
Table 9: response whether children any financial assistance
Response Frequency Percentage
Yes 10 12.5%
No . 70 87.5%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
Table 9 shows that out of 80 respondents 12.5% have financial assistance from the community,
organizations, relatives and others while 87.5% they don’t have any financial assistance from
their communities.
Fig 4 shows response whether child house headed have any financial assistance
IFrequency Percentage
Fig 4 shows that out of 80 respondents 12.5% have financial assistance from the community,
organizations, relatives and others while 87.5 % they don’t have any financial assistance from
their communities.
4.5 Social challenges of the families headed by children
It was found out that families headed by children inherit and still have the property left to them
by their deceased parents. Majority of the respondents interviewed relieved that even though
these entire families inherited land ranging between 0.25, 10 acres, most of the land was not fully
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0~
u Yes
No
25
utilized. Only land nearest to the home stead was formed indicating inefficiency use of resources,
but this was identified not to be the house hold fault for they could not manually farm all the
land. This is because they also had to afford other quick income generating activities, some land
was infertile and needed intensive ploughing which implements to do the respective tasks the
households lacked perpetuating the vicious circle of poverty especially as a result of living in
rural areas. It was also found out that maintaining the accommodation which had been left to the
households was a challenge and for the some of the families had abandoned the parts of house
for they were either too big to maintain or were in bad condition , some o the households
interviewed had abandoned their original family and built simple mad houses which were
easier to maintain especially in roofing. Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development
(2003)
Some families had replaced the leading iron sheets with grasses; this was done in this manner for
the repair of roofs as we identified to be the single most damaging and expensive task about
Bushmen and maintenance of the house.
The family that had inherited animals seemed to be quite better off in comparison with those that
had learnt only land. This was because the researcher learnt of an agent need, they have however
faced hardships of herding these animals and set the same herder because the animals had to be
moved for long distances died in this difficult period.
The researcher also found out that in case of disease outbreak, many of these cows died with no
veterinary services, on noticing either wider pest or Nagana , the sick animal the kidney and the
skin were sold and the rest were buried from the families revealed that t revealed that the offer
this human consumption , they argue that the whole cow can’t go to waste, so they eat, specific
than the usually cooking time.
The research also found that although the drugs are sub divided by the government, these
families headed by children still find it constraining their incomes, they usually have to borrow
in case they lack money which pays from the community members who are usually willing to
lend them in case of sickness. The medical services provided may not be enough and one would
be instructed to buy some tablets from the drug shops of which he or she does not have money to
buy. World Health Organization (WHO).
26
The worst challenge occurs when the bread winner is the one who falls sick for quite some time.
This results into the next headset putting the school on old to look after brothers / sisters and run
to home or even the stall in the trading centre. Thus sickness though are rare occurrences in these
families it is highly detested and especially if it affects the child heads, this is because their
livelihoods partner would be affected adversely.
The feeding was also identified as a challenge which the households heads, beans was the most
affordable and available food and its usually exchanged for other foods and success. This
implied that these families and food from the garden. The child headed house hold members
have to do some digging to get what to eat.
The activities were found to be usually done in the evening after school or work by most of the
members. There is no luxury and food washing as most of the food leftovers taken by members
to school for lunch. The girls were found to be cooks at whatever age they were in families with
no girls the young males would combine to cook using firewood and utensils.
Table 10: Showing whether these children have parents / guardian
Responses Frequency Percentage
Yes 25 3 1,25%
No 55 68.75%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
Table 10 shows that out of 80 respondents 31.25% had parents and guardians who can help them
in social and psychological challenges and 68.75% do not have any parent and guardian
27
Fig 5 shows that out of 80 respondents 31.25% had parents and guardians who can help them in
social and psychological challenges and 68.75% do not have any parents and guardian.
Table 11: Do your parents leave you with anything / inheritance
Response Frequency Percentage
Yes 15 18.75%
No 65 81.25%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
Table 11 shows that out of 80 respondents 18.75%) were left in inheritance and 81.25% were not
left with inheritance.
Fig 5 Showing whether these children have parents / guardian
40 —_____
10 ___ ____ ___
0 __ L -__ ____ __
Frequency Percentage
n Yes
No
28
Fig 6 shows response on whether respondents are left with anything I inheritance
Fig 6 shows that out of 80 respondents 18.25% were left in inheritance and 81.75% were not left
with inheritance.
Table 12: Do you have any social conflicts in your family?
Response Frequency Percentage
Yes 55 68.75%
No 25 31.25%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
Table 12 shows that out of 80 respondents 68.75% have social conflicts in their families while
31.25% don’t have social conflicts in their families.
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
I~1 Yes
No
Frequency Percentage
29
Table 13: Showing whether the children have ever been counseled.
Responses Frequency Percentage
Yes 18 22.5%
No 62 77.5%
Total 80 100
Source: primary data
In the table above, out of 80 respondents, 22.5% have ever been counseled by other people /
elders while 77.5% have never been counseled.
4.6 Finding out the possible solutions to the problems faced by the families headed bychildren.
The research revealed social collectivism and family cohesion as the strongest possible solutions
which most of the challenges. The respondents reported finding comfort and consolation with in
themselves. This cohesion worked so much to help them relieve stress and psychological burdens
when they relate and talk to tasks and cores performed in the households, In conclusion the
impact and need for social capital is present and vital respectively to the functioning of any
society or community, originating from the smallest unit in society which is usually the family
and this consorted effort is needed to restore and strengthen social capital in all societies were it
is degenerating.
The research finding also identified NGOs as another solution to some of the problems faced by
child headed households. NGOs in the area were identified to fulfill educational needs and
nutritional needs of these households. The little counseling that was provided was identified to
be handled through NGOs world vision, Red Cross, TASO among others.
All the households interviewed acknowledged subscription to at least to NGOs from their areas
and respondents commented that they could not have lived without NGOs help. The above
findings indicate the greater work done by NGOs and reveal a gap which needs intervention by
either government intervention or more work in issues concerning children livelihood and
poverty alleviation.
30
Table 14: Showing possible solutions to the problems
Response Frequency PercentageCounseling 8 10Provision of education 16 20
Provision of employment 10 12.5%Sensitization 10 12.5%Land tenure system 10 12.5%
Financial support 16 20Provision of nutritious food 10 12.5%Total 80 100
Source: Prim
ary data
Table 14 shows out of 80 respondents 8 suggested they should provide counseling, 16 agreed
that they should provide education, 10 talked about employment education, 10 supported
sensitization, 10 supported land tenure system, 16 suggested financial support and 10 suggested
nutritious food for better health.
Fig 7 shows possible solutions to the problems
1816141210
86420
(Jo
~co
Frequency
31
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARRY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMEDATION
5.1 Introduction
This chapter presents summary of the findings, general conclusions and recommendations of the
study. In addition, short comings of the study and suggestions for the future research are
highlighted.
5.2 Summary of findings
The findings identified some of the challenges faced by families headed by children, inheritance
challenge which constitute maintenance of property, land was identified which be the most
inherited property by these households. The research found out that these households that had
inherited livestock were better off than those that had not but the latter constituted a small
proportion of a family.
The finding revealed some that financial situation of child headed households is another
challenge in most cases is very poorer than those headed by adult and full parent. the risk of
poverty among families headed by children is also greened by lack of government support and
appropriate policies.
The study revealed that poor health is a problem of the families headed by children. These
children live in disadvantaged environment characterized by poverty, lack of good sanitary
services, drinking water from unprotected services especially poor wells; they are often prone to
diseases like Malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera.
The study revealed possible solutions, social consolation and cohesion as the strongest solution
against most of the challenges. The respondent reported findings comfort and consolidation
within them. This cohesion work so much to help them relieve stress and psychological burdens
when they relate and talk with their sibling. Family closeness enabled these households to define
and identify their respect in roles in the households especially in relation to tasks and chores
and performed in the households.
32
5.3 Conclusions
Children who head families face a lot Challenges which have caused unrest in their lives, many
of these challenges can be dealt with if different parties come together to assist these children,
however there are lot of challenges to these children there are possible solutions to these
challenges which are addressed in the study.
5.4 Recommendations
Finding out the financial challenges, realizing that HIV/AIDs is the single biggest cause of
orphans, the government should not lose its light on battling it. Besides what being done, needs
to be done to reinforce sensitization and awareness.
Government should Support these family which are headed by these children so that they canutilized as the same with other children with parents.
Social protection should be given these children from the relatives so that they follow the sameroute which the parents wanted.
External assistance to poor families from different organization should be given to thesechildren.
Efficient linkages to special care should be put in place so that the children are able to get
Emphasis should be put on education cheaper practical orphans should be provided to the
orphans after universal secondary education. This effort should be coordinated by the
government to empower these children.
The issue of poverty should be tackled by the government, thus these children poverty
eradication programmes should be put up to children with no parents.
Counseling services in rural should be introduced in these areas thus children will be able go
there acquire some counseling.
A comprehensive state policy, towards orphans and their households should be compiled and
adopted; such a policy should allocate more funds to these children’s needs by the government.
33
REFERENCES
Auslaberry And Watson (1980) Observed The Changes That Occur When Children Change
Residences.
Agency For International Development 2008 Children On The Bricks
Lynn (1964 Pp.13) The Risk Of Poverty Among Child Headed Households.
Joint United Programme On HIV/Aids! United Nations Children Fund! United States
Lindsey (1990 Pp.20-22) On Children Engagement In Petty Jobs.
Ministry Of Gender, Labour And Social Development (2009) Guidelines For Direct Family In
Difficult Capacities.
Luzze, Fredrick (2002): Survival in Child-Headed Households”: A study on the Impact Of World
Vision Support on Coping
Strategies in Child Headed households in Bude sub county - Mpigi district Uganda
Luzze, Fredrick; Ssedyabule, David (2004): The Nature of Child Headed Households in Mpigi
District.
Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (2003): The National Orphans and
Vulnerable Children Policy. Draft.
Monk, Neil (2000). Underestimating the magnitude of a mature crisis: Dynamics of orphaning
and Fostering in rural Uganda. In: Orphan Alert. International perspectives on children left
behind by HIV/AIDS. The Foundation and the Association François
Xavier Bagnoud.
O’Sullivan, Gavan (2003). Starting from strengths. Social exclusion, rights based approach and
children in charge of families affected by HIV/AIDS in Uganda. London School of Economics
and Political Science. University of London.
34
World Health Organization (WHO). 1990. Draft discussion paper on the care and support of
children of HIV infected parents. 14 September. Geneva.
Lindsey (1990 Pp.20-22) On Children Engagement In Petty Jobs.
Ministry Of Gender, Labour And Social Development (2009) Guidelines For Direct Family In
Difficult Capacities.
Uganda Bureau Of Statistics (UNBOS) 2007 Uganda National House Hold Survey 2002/2003
Entebbe Uganda
Uganda Ministry Of Labour (2003) Operational Research On Situation Of Orphans With In
Family And Community Context In Uganda.
UNAIDS (2004). Report on the global AIDS epidemic 2004.
USDA. Economic Research Service. Leslie A. Whitener, R. Gibbs, and L. Kusmin. Rural
Welfare Reform: Lessons Learned. Amber Waves. June 2003.
UAC 2006 Sculling Up The HIV/Aids And Orphans Response To Accelerate Purely Reduction
In Uganda.
Uganda Aids Commission 2008, National Strategic Frame Work For HIV/Aids Activities In
Kampala Uganda
Uganda Bureau Of Statistics (UNBOS) 2007 Uganda National House Hold Survey 2002/2003
Entebbe Uganda
Uganda Community Based Association For Child Welfare And UNICEF 2008 (Operational
Research About The Situation Of Orphans With In The Family And Community Contest In
Uganda.
Uganda Ministry of Labour (2003) Operational Research On Situation Of Orphans With In
Family And Community Context In Uganda.
35
APPENDICES
APPENDIX I: ACTION PLAN
Activities Time in weeks
1 2 4 5 678
Preparation
Documentation
Permission
Data collection
Analysis
Report writing
Final report presentation
36
APPENDIX II: QUESTIONAIRE FOR HOUSE HOLD HEADS AND CHILDREN
Introduction
My name is OTAMUTENZYA AGGREY, a student of Kampala International University year
three pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Development studies carrying out field work research. The
purpose of this research is purely academic and information provided will be confidential your
contribution will be highly appreciated.
A. BIO DATA
Tick where necessary
1. Age of respondents
Below 30 years
31-35
42-50
51+
2. Gender
Male
Female
3. Marital status
Single
Married
Education level
Primary
37
Secondary
University
SECTION B
Please choose only one option that suits your level of agreement or disagreement for each of the
following.
1. Is there any challenges faced by children head household?
Strongly agree
neutral
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
2. Is there any possible solution to the challenges faced by children heading families?
Strongly agree
neutral
Agree
Disagree
Strongly
38
SECTION C
1. Did you go to school?
Yes j No _____
If “yes” or “no” give reason for your answer
2. Do you have any financial assistance?
Yes _____ No _____
If “yes” or “no” give reasons for your answer
3. How many families do you support?
4. Establishing the social and psychological challenges child heads of households face.
Do you have a parent or guardian?
Yes _____ No IIf no give reason
39
1. Do your parents leave you with anything! inheritance?
Yes _____ No _____
2. Do you have any social conflicts in your family?
Yes _____ No _____
3. Have you ever been counseled?
Yes No
If yes give reason
4. What are some of the possible solutions to the problems faced by the child headed
households.
40
