MILLENNIUM VILLAGE PROJECTRuhiira, Uganda

Team 7

Joedi Brown | Fariba Ismat | Kamyar Lolavar TehraniPavlos Troulis | Chee Seong Lin | Apipong Ponsawapark

June 2007

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Workload has been distributed as follows:

Part 1:Inception

Section 1: Apipong Pongsawapark

Section 2: Joedi Brown (Project Manager)

Pavlos Troulis

Section 3: Chee Seong Lin

Section 4: Kamyar Lolavar Tehrani

Section 5: Fariba Ismat

Part 2:Findings/Recommendations

Collectively written

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Acknowledgement

Team 7 (MVP-Ruhiira) would like to thank all individuals interviewed and involved

within our research during the time frame of May 3rd –May 10th (Professor Emmanuel

Tumusiime Mutebille, Dr.Lawyer Kafureeka, Dr. Johnson Nkuuhe, Farida Rakiimi,

Richard Edwards, Dr.Augustus Nuwagaba, David Siriri, Hilda Tusingwire, James

Byaruhamgia, John Francis, James Amutworore, Besigye Matthus etc). A Special thanks

is extended to Christine Ainomugisha, for her enthusiasm, valuable contributions and

patience expressed during our visit to Mbarara, Uganda.

We would also like to acknowledge the assistance and valuable inputs obtained from

course tutors at the Development Planning Unit (DPU).

Team 7 (MVP-Ruhiira)June 2007

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OVERVIEW

The attached report consists of two parts; the inception and our

findings/recommendations section. The purpose of our field to MVP-Ruhiira, Uganda as

our terms of reference indicates was to assess the cont contribution of the MVP initiative

in relation to Uganda’s Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP). In order for us to

examine how MVP has contributed to PEAPs objectives, we have used the MDG policy

framework. The fulfilment of our mission scope required that; in-depth research,

consultation with different stakeholders and interviews with local people be carried out.

Our inception report therefore depicts our initial assessment of the situation in which

several research questions are posed to be answered during fieldwork exercise. Research

in the field was focused on 5 sectors, (1) Community Development ( i.e. Empowerment

& Education), (2) Health, (3) Agriculture & Environment, (4) Infrastructure

Development and (5) Enterprise Development. After exploring findings in the field the

remainder of our report breakdown each sector according to its strengths, weaknesses,

areas for further research and concludes with the proposal of recommendations and

strategic guidelines. These are aimed to help and facilitate future research into how MVP

initiative can better enhance the mission of PEAP.

Finally, we take this opportunity to highlight that during fieldwork exercise we received

contradictory data in a couple of instances from different stakeholders (e.g. funding from

donors, ratios of students/teacher and patients/doctor). Therefore, further research may be

required in order to obtain more coherent data. In addition, we acknowledge the fact that

due to time constrains, we were unable to gather all data required and therefore we

acknowledge that our research is limited in this perspective.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgment ………………………………………………………………. 3Overview………………………………………………………………………… 4Figures, Tables, Maps ……………………………………………………….… 6Acronyms ………………………………………………………………………. 7

1. General Background....……………………………………………………… 81.1 Ruhiira ……...……..…………………………………………….................... 81.2 MVP Site: The selection of Ruhiira ………………………………………… 11

2. Theoretical Framework…………………………………………..…………. 122.1 Millennium Development Goals ………………………..……………………. 122.2 Poverty Eradication Action Plan…………………………………….....……. 122.3 MDG & PEAP: Overlaps and Critique ………………………………………. 14

3. Mission Scope and Objectives………………..………………..…………….. 143.1 Mission Scope.……………………………………………………………… … 143.2 Objectives ……………………………………………………………………. 15

4. Methodology…..……………………………………………………………… 164.1 Research Questions……………………………………………………………. 174.2 Research Techniques………………………………………………………… 18

5. Institutional Landscape…………………………………………………….. 195.1 Primary Stakeholders ………………………………………………………… 205.2 Secondary Stakeholders ……. ………………………………………………. 205.3 Power Relationships among Key Actors ……………………………………. 21

6. Recommendations…………………………………………………………… 216.1 Community Development: Education....................................................... 21-226.2 Community Development: Empowerment ……………………………........ 23-246.3 Health ………………………………………………………………………….. 24-256.4 Agriculture and Development ………………………………………………. 26-276.5 Infrastructure Development …………………………………………………. 27-286.6 Enterprise Development ………………………………………………. 28- 306.7 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………… 31

7. Bibliography……………………………………………………………….. 32-34

8. Appendices …………………………………………………………………… 35Power Matrix …………………………………………………………………. 36Uganda’s Local Government System …………………………………………. 37Transect Walk Map ……………………………………………………………. 38Sector Findings: Figures ………………………………………...…………. 39-41Interviews: Structured and Un-Structured …………………………………… 42-49

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FIGURES, TABLES and MAPS

Figures/Maps

1.1 Map showing Ruhiira within Isingiro District..................................................... 81.2 Ruhiira Millennium Village map………………….…………………………….. 92.1 MDG & PEAP Overlaps ……………………………………………. ……… 133.1 MVP Sectors ………………………………………………………………… 154.1 Stakeholders to be interviewed ……………………………………………… 175.1 Primary vs. Secondary Stakeholder…..………………………………………. 19

Tables

1.1 Ruhiira Millennium Village demographic data………………………………. 101.2 Initial conditions in Ruhiira……………….. …………………………………… 11

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ACRONYMS

HIPC High Indebted Poor Country InitiativeIFI International Financial InstitutionsIMF International Monetary FundMDG Millennium Development GoalsMVP Millennium Village ProgramMV Millennium VillagePEAP Poverty Eradication Action ProgramPRA Participatory Rural AppraisalPTA Parent Teachers AssociationPRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy PapersSMC School Management SystemUNDP United Nations Development ProgramUN United NationsWB World Bank

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Part 1: Inception

General Background

1.1 Ruhiira

Figure 1.1 Map showing Ruhiira within Isingiro District

Source: Mbarara District Information Portal

Ruhiira is located in Isingiro District in the south-west of Uganda. It is approximately

1500 meters above sea level (UNDP, 2007). It shares its south border with Tanzania and

is roughly 30 kilometres in the east to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Earth Institute in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program

(UNDP) has launched Millennium Village Project (MVP) for one village site in Uganda,

Ruhiira is locatedIn Isingiro district

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which is Ruhiira. MVP-Ruhiira started in March 2006; however, field activities began in

June 2006, (UNDP, 2007). It covers 2 sub-counties - Nyakitunda and Kabuyanda, which

consists of 6 parishes, highlighted in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.2 Ruhiira Millennium Village map

Source: Adapted from Tusingwire, MVP 2007

As table 1.1 indicates, baseline information for Ruhiira depicts population growth at

3.5% in 2007. The percentage of male to female population is greater by 6%. The

breakdown of households indicates that within Ruhiira 285 household are female headed

whereas as 774 are male headed (MVP Annual report 2007: 281)

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Table 1.1 Ruhiira Millennium Village demographic data

Items Data

Total population 5,571

Household 1,059

Population growth rate 3.5%

Percentage of Women 47.0%

Percentage of Men 53.0%

Male head households 774

Female head households 285

Members per household 5.3

Land holding capacity per household (hector) 0.23

Ethnic groups

Bakiga

Banyankore

86.4%

12.6%

Source: Adapted from UNDP (2007)

Some initial conditions in Ruhiira, before launching MVP, are demonstrated in Table 1.2.

The residents of Ruhiira (90%) engages mostly in agriculture, experiences isolation from

local markets, experiences lack of access to drinking water supply, have a low level of

education-especially for women, and almost half of its residents live on less than 1$/day

(Millennium Village Report, 2006).

Furthermore, malaria prevalence is 30% but HIV/AIDS prevalence is only 8 - 10%, and

only 5% of women deliver birth within health units (MVP Annual Report 2007:288)

People having 1 or 4 meals per day accounts for 5.6%, but one third of children are under

weight. The nearest clean water is within 3 kilometres range from Ruhiira and only 5% of

land are covered by trees.

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Table 1.2 Initial conditions in Ruhiira

Items Data

People below the poverty line ($250) 30.0% - 40.0%

Employment in agricultural sector 90.0%

HIV/AIDS prevalence 8.0% – 10.0%

Malaria prevalence 30.0%

Ownership of Mosquito Nets 3.0%

Birth delivery in health units 5.0%

Availability of food

2 meals per day

3 meals per day

1 meal or 4 meals per day

57.9%

31.0%

5.6%

Under weight children below 5 years 30.0% - 40.0%

Nearest protected water spring (km) 3

Land under tree cover 5.0%

Source: Adapted from (MVP Annual Report 2007)

1.2 MVP Site: the selection of Ruhiira

MVP is regarded as a ‘bottom-up’ approach that is reflective of a rural-bias ensuring that

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are achieved, “a bottom-up approach to lifting

developing country villages out of the poverty trap” (Cabral, Farrington and Ludi 2006:

2). MVP operates under the premise that by ensuring that the basic needs are satisfied, it

is only then that economic development can truly take-off .

In order to be classified as a MVP site the following criteria must be met:-

Be in a hunger and poverty hotspot within African. Represent an important agro-ecological site.

(Siriri, 2007)

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Poverty as it relates to this report can be defined as the lack of basic means necessary to

satisfy material and social needs (Chronic Poverty Research Centre 2005:16). It is within

this overarching area that we have been assigned the task to explore and highlight the

relationship between the two frameworks that will be embraced during the course of our

research and analysis of Ruhiira.

2. Theoretical Framework: Relationship between poverty reduction and MVP

2.1 Millennium Development Goals

MDGs promoted by the United Nations (UN) were ratified by the international

community in 2000 and centres around 8 goals which includes- 18 targets and 48

indicators (United Nations Millennium Development Goals, 2000). These goals are:

(United Nations Millennium Development Goals, 2000).

MDGs are fully consistent with Uganda’s national policy priority regarding poverty

reduction. As such, the Ugandan government is committed to achieving the MDGs by the

targeted date of 2015 (Ministry of Finance 2004:10). The MVP initiative is consistent

with MDGs policy framework and is therefore the best means of assessing project’s

impact in Ruhiira.

2.2 Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP)

PEAP aims to transform Uganda from a least-developed country into a middle-income

country through the process of industrialization and with a strong emphasis on investment

Goal 1: The eradication of extreme poverty and hungerGoal 2: Achieve universal primary educationGoal 3: Promote gender equality and empower womenGoal 4: Reduce child mortalityGoal 5: Improving maternal healthGoal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other infectious diseasesGoal 7: Ensure environmental sustainabilityGoal 8: Develop a global partnership for development

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in competitive enterprises (Ministry of Finance 2004:1). Uganda can therefore be said to

have embraced the doctrines of the international financial institutions (IFIs) with

emphasis on market oriented growth instead of protecting domestic industry (Ministry of

Finance 2004:1). By Focusing on the country’s comparative advantage of natural

resources, there has been a heavy emphasis that industrialization should involve value-

addition on agricultural products (Ministry of Finance 2004:2)

PEAP supported on five pillars, identifies the following as critical areas for poverty

eradication -

Economic management – an enabling environment for sustained economic growthand transformation.

Production, competitiveness and incomes. Security, conflict resolution and disaster management. Governance. Human Development.

(Ministry of Finance 2004:5-6)

Figure 2:1 MDG & PEAP Overlaps

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2.3 MDG & PEAP: Overlaps and Critique

Firstly, both PEAP and MDG seek to incorporate a participatory approach towards

poverty reduction. Secondly, there is an overlap in principles of MDG and PEAP with

regards to human development and production/competitiveness/incomes. For example as

illustrated in figure 2:1, PEAP pillar on human development overlaps with MDG numbers

1, 2, 5 and 6. With regards to PEAP pillar on economic management, there is a slight

overlap with MDG goal 8 which calls for developing a global partnership for

development. For example, within MDG goal 8 one of the indicators to measure

attainability of this goal stems around the need to foster a relationship with the private

sector so as to ensure the dissemination of new skills related to updated technology.

On the other hand, MVP attempts to achieve MDG goal 1 through increased agricultural

productivity. However, it seems to ignore the fact that according to the Ministry of

Finance, regional inequalities are wide and signify a marked decline in living standards.

As a result, inequality might endanger the potential benefits brought by increased

productivity (Ministry of Finance 2004:15)

Finally, although both MVP and PEAP include the goal to diversify agriculture into

livestock and high value crops etc, it is still unclear as to how this transition will be

initiated and achieved. Furthermore, according to the Ministry of Finance, the gender gap

in most levels of primary education has been eliminated; however there is still

absenteeism and high drop out rates for girls (Ministry of Finance 2004:23). MVP

responds to this by improving the education standards. Nevertheless, there are no clear

commitment on solid gender equality policies, and/or improvement in hygiene and

sanitary conditions which are mainly associated with girls’ absenteeism and drop out rate

(Ministry of Finance 2004: 23)

3. Mission Scope and Objectives

3.1 Mission Scope

Our mission scope is to explore the relationship that MVP has with poverty reduction

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initiatives within Uganda. In addition key issues will be identified for future research in

order to enhance the correlation between MVP and PEAP. Based on frameworks for

MVP and PEAP, the primary challenges identified for MVP- Ruhiira encircles the issue

areas of; 1) community development, 2) agriculture and environment 3) health, 4)

infrastructure development, and 5) enterprise development (Tusingwire, MVP 2007). Our

research aims to explore and compile additional information within each thematic area as

this will enable us to have a better understanding of the project’s impacts. The key issues

derived from each thematic area can be identified in hunger and malnutrition, water and

sanitation, health, education, environment degradation, enterprise development and

energy –all of which are goals and targets for MDGs (Tusingwire, MVP 2007).

Figure 3:1 MVP Sectors

3.2 Objectives

The aim and objective of our research will observe closely the overlaps identified

theoretically of both MVP and PEAP. Our research objectives as expressed in our

research questions section will enable us to have a better understanding of MVP and be

better able to analyze projects impact. Our mission scope objectives can be summarized

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as follow:

Community Development

To explore the issue of gender inequality through site visit and interviews and to

assess how well the issue of gender inequality has been implemented within

project design of MVP.

To understand the local primary educational system in order to assess its

effectiveness, the quality vs. quantity divide (attendance and educational

statistics).

Agriculture and Environment

To understand the agricultural production system and its sustainability after the

project period has ended. To assess dependency on subsidized farm inputs such as

seeds and in-organic fertilizers.

Health

To understand local healthcare issues such as family planning, health education

and the availability of medicine as a result of MVP initiatives.

Infrastructure Development

To understand the existing infrastructure condition in schools, health centres,

water supply, sanitation, communication, information technologies, energy and

transportation.

Enterprise Development

To understand the business sector development at the local level such as

entrepreneurship training.

Assess the role of private sector that will take over from the donors within the

context of sustainability of small business development.

To find out any future proposals or strategies being designed to deal with current

economic situation or to assist with strengthening employment and income

growth.

To find out what support and/or strategies are designed to promote alternative

employment and means of income for Ruhiira.

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4. Methodology

4.1 Research Questions

The following questions comprise the thematic areas mentioned before that are crucial in

assessing the linkages between MVP and poverty reduction strategies. We expect to have

our questions answered with a random selection of villagers, as well as different

stakeholders’ which we can briefly summarize as:

Figure 4:1 Stakeholders to be interviewed

Name Position

Johnson Nkuuhe Uganda MDG Support Advisor

David Siriri UN MVP Science Coordinator

Hilda Tusingwire MVP Community Development Coordinator

James Amutwuorore MVP Gender Facilitator

John Francio MVP Agriculture Facilitator

Richard Happy MVP Enterprise Facilitator

Dr. Emmanuel Atuharrwe MVP Health Facilitator

Grace Sikahurwa Local District Council

James Byaruhamgia Sub-county Chief

The questions to be addressed through the help of the above individuals will draw upon:

The issue of ‘Land Tenure’ within Ruhiira, do all residents enjoy secure land tenure?

Will insecure ownership pose problems in fulfilling MVP aims?

The sustainability of the project – i.e. exit strategy, the ‘scaling up’ of project, the

issue of “Big Push”, aid dependency and macroeconomic stability will be explored

within this area.

The current management and traditional governance structure of villages as well as

the management and administration of these villages after 5 years. In addition, the

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issue of ‘capital assets for shared use’ (e.g. generator, trucks and the ambulance) will

be explored.

The level of participation from the local community in practice and local adaptation

to project.

Gender equality-among other goals- will be hard to achieve in Uganda (Antonacci,

2007), we will therefore assess how MVP addresses the issue of gender inequality

and explore the breakdown of households for a better understanding of empowerment

initiatives undertaken.

The differences and overlapping interests of MVP and PEAP.

The level of homogeneity of Ruhiira in terms of ethnical and religious differences and

the level of inequality as a defining factor in poverty reduction through economic

growth.

Demographics of Ruhiira.

Health condition before and after the MVP. Potential for the future and specific

statistics to assess the situation.

Educational standards. Potential improvements and statistics.

4.2 Research Techniques1

Research and primary data collection techniques proposed to be undertaken includes:

(UNCHS, 1996)

Transect walk/direct observation data collection: Team’s own observations and

understandings of the surrounding environment. Useful for collecting data by

individual perceptions from the field.

Unstructured interview/Oral testimonies: Useful for unpredicted interviews which

mostly concern the local population of the villages as well as different staffs from

different sectors.

Semi-structure interviews: Used for officials and/or representatives of various

stakeholders. Targets specific areas within each sector and aims for comprehensive

and objective answers for each question.

1 Please refer to appendix for a summary our research techniques.(appendix 3 & 5)

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Another crucial aspect that will be carefully considered while in the field is the

knowledge of local developers which is of great importance as their inputs are considered

valuable for our project. Local developer’s proximity to the ongoing events in the field

and their daily interaction with local villagers give them an extra understanding about the

needs and priorities as well as strengths and weaknesses which will otherwise remain

undetectable by our research group.

In addition to primary data collection techniques, secondary data collection will be

gathered through the use of news articles, annual reports, emails, presentations and other

means of desk research.

5. Institutional Landscape

MVP is designed and implemented with stakeholders from the village, local, national and

international level. We have therefore broken down our key actors into primary and

secondary which is expressed in figure 5.1 below, “Primary stakeholders are those

affected by the project either in a positive or negative way. Secondary stakeholders are

those engaged in an intermediary role in the delivery of project benefits” (Potts 2002:23-

46).

Figure 5:1 Primary vs. Secondary Stakeholders

Primary Secondary

Ruhiira Village (5,571 residents) involving

the local communities that consist of

villagers such as: Teachers, Headmasters,

Health workers (Doctors, Nurses, and

Midwives), Farmers and local

entrepreneurs.

UNDP (Implementing Partner of

Millennium Village Project), the project

implementing team includes:

Science Coordinator, Country co-

coordinator, Enterprise Trainer, Agriculture

officer, Education and health facilitators,

Water Engineer, Community Development

Coordinator, Technoserve (A Business

Development Organization; offering

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marketing techniques and training) and 18

community health workers.

Stakeholder at local government:

Isingiro District Council – LC5

Nyakitunda and Kabuyanda sub-county

Councils – LC

Ruhiira village Parish – LC2

Village Council – LC1

(* consult appendix for visual depiction)

Japan and German governments (major

donors); and Millennium Promise NGO

(Fund Raiser)

Central Government Earth Institute (Scientific Advisor)

Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of

Development Studies – Mbarara

University, Ministry of Health and Marie

Stopes Clinic , Forestry Resource Research

Centre and World Agro Forestry Centre.

5.1 Primary Stakeholders

We have identified villagers as being primary stakeholders as MVP initiatives work

directly with the respective communities which are critical to MVP success (Millennium

Project, 2006:3). The Isingiro district council has overall responsibility of villages’

management and along with central government has committed political and material

support to the project2 (MVP 2007 Annual Report: 284). In addition to general support,

the local government seconds three of its staff to MVP - a water officer, an agriculture

facilitator and a community development officer.

5.2 Secondary Stakeholders

The UNDP as identified in figure 5:1 is a secondary stakeholder that plays a critical role

in the coordination of village site and national-level activities as well assisting in the

scaling up of MV initiatives to a national level (Millennium Project 2006:3). Another

2 see appendix # 2 for local government system chart

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secondary stakeholder is Millennium Promise which is a US based non-for-profit

organization whose central activity is to raise funds in support of MVP (ibid) for

example; the governments of Japan and Germany are main donors to the projects’

initiative. The Earth Institute at Columbia University has been identified as providing

scientific advice on matters like public health, energy, nutrition, hydrology, environment

and agronomy (ibid). And finally, Mbarara University has been identified as offering

field support services and medical staff to Ruhiira’s health clinic 1.

5.3 Power Relationship between key actors3:

The November 2006 progress report highlights the relationship between the villagers and

MVP team as cooperative and mutually beneficial to all parties involved (Millennium

Project 2006:2). However with MVP explicitly linked to achieving the MDG and with

key intentions of scaling-up project, we therefore question the magnitude of consultation

and participation of villagers and have deduced that the MVP team possesses more power

within this relationship. For example: UNDP and MVP donors can be classified as highly

important and influential stakeholders, since funding is the backbone of project initiative

and the fact that UNDP is the implementing body of project.

3 For Power matrix, please refer to appendix 1

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Part 2 : Findings and Recommendations

Our findings and recommendations will be broken down into the 5 sectors previously

identified and will proceed in the following order-

Key findings (strength and weaknesses)

Recommendations

o Further research area in order to fill gaps identified

o Strategy guidelines

Finally this section will be concluded with overarching key recommendations.

6.1 Community Development- Education

The sector of community development has been broken down into education and

empowerment due to the nature of its activities.

6.1a Strengths

MVP introduced a school feeding program, along with supports from Parent Teachers

Association (PTA) and School Management Committees (SMC), to increase the number

of students attending school. As a result of this only 14% of children did not attend

school in December 2006. In addition, student enrolment has increased in Ruhiira from

283 students in March 2006 to 513 in December 2006.Lastly, Ruhiira demonstrates a low

teacher to student ration 1:55 in comparison to national statistics (MVP Annual Report

2007: 298).

6.1b Weaknesses

The ratio of teacher to student in Ruhiira’s public school is considerable high in

comparison to local private school in which the ratio is only 1:15. Other identifiable

weaknesses include - the lack of school materials such as books and stationary supplies,

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early marriage, pregnancy at a young age and long distance between children’ houses and

schools

The above weakness fosters a low rate of passing for the first grade of which only 2 out

of 300 students passed successfully (MVP Annual Report 2007: 298).

6.1c Future Research and Recommendation

The implementation of a school feeding program has led to an increase in student

enrolment however only 0.67% of enrolled students have passed the first grade.

Therefore there needs to be an improvement in the quality of education and this should be

explored further.

6.1d Strategic Guidelines

Since the education development in Ruhiira focuses on only quantity, our strategic

guidelines calls for an improvement of education quality in the village. For example, to

increase number of teachers in Ruhiira’s public schools in order to reduce the ratio of

teachers to students; to raise awareness and interaction between teachers and parents

regarding student performance and to introduce training program to improve quality of

teaching for teachers. These guidelines would help to truly increase human capital of the

village, which also corresponds to PEAP pillar 5 "Human Development".

6.2 Community Development – Empowerment

6.2a Strengths

To foster community participation, MVP has established five committees from each

village to be responsible for each sector and to work along with the local government.

The village community has also been actively engaged in associations such as SMC and

PTA contributing to action plans for education.

6.2b Weaknesses

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We have identified that gender was overlooked during the planning phase of MVP, as

such we believe this negligence could actually debilitate MVP goals on poverty reduction

from being realized. For example: we could not identify how participants for

entrepreneurship class were chosen or whether both men and women felt they had equal

opportunities in participating. We also could not gauge if villagers (both men and

women) felt they have been given the tools necessary to continue initiatives started by

MVP once the project has ended. For example – knowledge of knowing that an

agricultural extension officer could be consulted from their local district council for

advice.

6.2c Future Research and Recommendation

Gender inequality is a weak area of MVP in its attempt to tackle poverty reduction in

Ruhiira. The disaggregation of project impacts as it affects both men and women’s access

and control to resources should be explored further. In addition, we recommend that

villagers are questioned as to whether or not they are aware of the resources readily

available around them.

6.2d Strategic Guidelines

As previously stated the issue of gender was not fully addressed in the design and

implementation stage of MVP, we therefore advocate for a proper gender mainstreaming

system to be created. This would help to support PEAPs pillar 5 “Human Development”.

It is also important that access to resources and information is disseminated evenly

among both male and female residents of Ruhiira. We hold the belief that through

capacity building both men and women within Ruhiira will be fully empowered to

decipher through information presented and to make appropriate decisions that will lead

to poverty reduction from a local-national level.

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6.3 Health

6.3a Strengths

Our findings indicate that capacity in the health sector has increased. This increase has

evolved from the improvements of the physical capacity (several health units built and

several others under construction) and medicine supply. Another improvement has been

improvements in preventative measures to combat malaria. For example - 33,000 long

lasting treated nets were distributed to over 12,000 households with their effectiveness

being monitored by community health workers (Tusingwire, MVP 2007).

In addition, provisions to train and utilize the informal health sector (i.e. traditional

healers and mid-wives) in order to increase their effectiveness are being looked into. Our

research demonstrates that traditional health healers still enjoy great popularity amongst

villagers. One example is that “most pregnant mothers deliver at home sometimes with

the help of traditional birth attendants, and only 5% deliver in health units.”

(MVPAnnual Report 2007: 283).

Further significant achievement for this sector has been the increased participation of

local villagers with in-kind contribution; the health unit under construction in Ruhiira has

received more than 50% in-kind contribution from the local villagers which signify the

importance of this sector to villagers.

6.3b Weakness

The main weakness of this sector is the huge dependency on the supply of drugs. Drugs

are being supplied by the central government and topped-up by donors which as

mentioned before has increased the sector’s capacity but at the same time is becoming a

threat to the sustainability of the sector. In addition low accessibility and connectivity –

i.e. lack of proper roads and absence of an ambulance for emergency cases as well as

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limited working hours in this sector makes it even harder for the villagers to access health

services.

6.3c Future Research and Recommendation

For future research, we suggest that the issue of dependency on drug supplement should

be carefully considered and that further disease prevention policies should be applied.

The importance of this sector is that it fulfils the 2nd and 5th pillar of PEAP (Human

Development and increase in income) which also overlaps with MDG goals 4 (reduce

child mortality), 5 (improving maternal health) and 6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and

other infectious diseases) and collectively plays a significant role in poverty reduction in

Ruhiira and Uganda.

6.3d Strategic Guideline

As for the strategy guideline, we highly recommend that the effectiveness and efficiency

of this sector should be maximized. Interviews conducted as well as observations

indicated that with limited doctors’ hours coupled with not enough doctors present

created a scenario of high waiting period leading to less consultations therefore an

ineffectiveness of available resources. A pivotal improvement in effectiveness would lead

to the enhancement of PEAPs pillar on human development.

6.4 Agriculture and Environment

According to the MVP Annual Report (2007), agriculture is the main occupation in

Ruhiira - the research village of the MVP – and 90% of the population are involved in

agriculturally related activities. Taking also into account the fact that per capita food

production in Ruhiira has been declining over the years, it is profound that agriculture is a

key element in the MVP.

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6.4a Strengths

Firstly, MVP has contributed in increasing and sustaining bean, maize and banana

production within Ruhiira. According to the MVP Annual Report due to the improved

seeds and the use of fertilizer, ‘‘bean yields increased from an average of 500 kg/hectare

to 1100 kg/hectare’’. Also, improved maize seed and fertilizer resulted in ‘‘above

average on-farm performance and farmers are expecting a good harvest’’ (MVP Annual

Report 2007: 290-291)

With regards to banana production, according to the UNDP (Tusingwire, MVP 2007)

training communities in soil and water conservation and disease management in banana

are expected to deliver increased and sustained productivity. Secondly, ‘‘production of

fruits offers opportunities for farmers to diversify their cropping system and income

base” (MVP Annual Report 2007: 292). Last but not least, the loss of environmental

resources and the improvement of ecosystem take place through the establishment of tree

nurseries and the procurement of various tree seeds (Tusingwire, MVP 2007).

6.4b Weakness

Due to the high emphasis of project initiatives within the sector of agriculture, we have

not identified any major weakness within this sector.

6.4c MVP-Agriculture & PEAP

Profoundly, the MVP overlaps with the second pillar of the PEAP-Enhancing Production,

competitiveness and incomes. Furthermore, it indirectly overlaps with MDG 1. MVP

boosts agricultural production through the provision of fertilizer and improved seeds,

leading in this way to an increase in incomes. Also, the use of fertilizers and the planting

of trees assist towards this direction by improving the quality of the soil and the

environment in general. In the end, the training that was mentioned above can be

beneficial in enhancing human development, which is the fifth pillar of the PEAP.

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6.4d Future Research & Strategic Guidelines

The most important issue in this section derives from the fertilizers and the sustainability

of increased production after the project has ended. The fertilizers for MVP are imported,

so it would be advisable to research whether organic fertilizers or locally produced

fertilizers can potentially substitute the imported ones. Also, we think that further

research needs to be undertaken in terms of identifying diversification options and

prioritizing them (e.g. livestock, exotic fruits).

Depending on the outcome of the research with regards to the fertilizer, a potential

recommendation would be to reduce dependency on imported fertilizer through the use of

locally produced or organic one. Also, further efforts should be made in order to avoid

soil erosion and environmental deterioration. Some of them could refer to planting more

trees and expand terracing.

6.5 Infrastructure

6.5a Strengths

There is 80% increase in school attendance from 283 students to 513 students in Ruhiira

area (MVP Annual Report 2007:299).The increase in pupil is due to the expansion of

school facilities such as classroom and sanitation system. Another positive key finding is

the increase in availability of clean water supply; the evidence shows that water spring is

constructed through underground channel system to prevent contamination from overland

flow.

6.5b Weaknesses

With respect to existing condition at Ruhiira, there are some key weaknesses that can be

identified from our research. First, there is still insufficient clean water supply to the local

resident though rainwater tanks and underground water channel system have been

installed in the village. Second, poor sanitation system is commonly found within the

village. Third, there is insufficient energy supply in the village such as electricity. Last,

poor accessibility to/from village is caused by unreliable transport link and poor road

conditions.

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6.5c Future research and recommendation

Infrastructure development is one of MVP objectives that closely overlaps with the

second pillar of the PEAP -Enhancing Production, Competitiveness and Incomes to

address poverty reduction in Ruhiira. Although, MVP has attempt to tackle the current

situation, there are some remaining areas that need further investigation in order to better

assess the project’s impact. First, water spring will need further measurement against the

level of contamination and water treatment process. Second, there is a need for further

research regarding information and communication technology (ICT) such as solar

generated system

6.5d Strategy Guidelines

According to Jeffrey Sachs infrastructure development is one of three main areas to

achieve poverty reduction (Sachs, 2006). PEAP also emphasizes the importance in

strengthening infrastructure development to support services and markets in its second

pillar-enhancing production, competitiveness and incomes. In order to fulfil the goal and

enhance the infrastructure development, guidelines are needed for future action. First,

additional clean water supply is needed through underground channel. Second,

transportation is important for bringing in business to the rural area, and expanding

market to other villages and urban area. Therefore, it is important to put transportation as

a priority in order to facilitate and support other developments by providing adequate

accessibility and connectivity.

6.6 Enterprise Development4

6.6a Strengths

Entrepreneurship development in Ruhiira village was carried out through a ‘sensitization

workshop’ and ‘Support to Women Groups’ Initiatives’.

4 For sector finding figures on enterprise development, agriculture and environment and

health; please refer to appendix4.

30

The sensitization workshop on entrepreneurship development involved 200 villagers

(men, women and youth). They were sensitized over the causes of their poverty, 30 were

selected out of 200 for further training (MVP 2007Annual Report: 296). Through

technoserve (business development organisation) they received training and exhibition on

marketing, record keeping, business planning, costing and sales techniques (MVP

2007Annual Report: 296). Our personal observation and interviews acknowledged the

fact that villagers have benefited from this enterprise training mainly the agriculture

sector i.e. farmers who previously were overexploited by the middle man; now are able to

sell their products directly to the market and generate better income as a result improving

their social and economic well being. This achievement is considered to complement 3

of PEAPs pillar which aims at - human development, economic management and

production, competitiveness and incomes.

Also women in Ruhiira village are supported by ‘Ruhiira Millennium Cooperative Bank’,

apart from offering banking advice this micro credit facility offers low interest rate loans

to members and helps women with the purchase of household necessities. The success of

this sector indicates the achievement of MDG #1- ‘eradication of extreme poverty and

hunger’. This scheme has not only created a form of social security net but has also

contributed to PEAPs pillar on income generation and human development.

6.6b Weaknesses

The achievement of this sector depicts an agricultural bias and therefore although this

sector aims to help foster business ideas, other small businesses have been sidelined by

agriculture production sector. In addition, marketing strategy has a narrow focus mainly

on cost reduction as opposed to a comprehensive strategy that would cover other areas.

6.6c Future Research and Recommendations

In order to build on the existing successes of this sector we feel there is a need for other

sectors to be researched and expanded to help diversify development of other sectors.

31

Also human and financial capacity of the bank should be looked into and if possible

increased in order to offer further benefits beyond meeting primary needs of the villagers.

Finally, the marketing strategy within this sector needs further research to find out in

what other ways local entrepreneurs can improve their productivity and income.

6.6d Strategy Guidelines

In order to achieve long term sustainable development for the village we propose that

MVP needs to look beyond comparative advantage of the village which heavily relies on

agriculture and that other areas of income generation should be encouraged and

introduced to the village. This would foster not only employment generation but would

protect villagers from unexpected environmental shocks – i.e. lack of rain, soil erosion

could threaten the livelihood of Ruhiira’s farmers which constitute 90% of the

population.

6.7 Conclusion

Although sector recommendations have been provided, it is our belief that the issue of

sustainability and scalability constitutes our overarching recommendation for further

research. The project itself defines sustainability in terms of economic growth and

sustained income generation for the villages; however our group firmly believes that in

order to sustain attempts to reduce poverty an equal participation will be needed from the

following stakeholders: government, private sector and the civil society. Finally, it is too

early to assess whether the project can be scaled up, however the research questions

posed for further research will hopefully facilitate a better understanding.

32

Bibliography

Antonacci, Kate. ‘Nkuuhe, Siriri Discuss Project’, Observer Online. March 27th, 2007.http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2007/03/27/News/Nkuuhe.Siriri.Discuss.Project-2793509.shtml * accessed on 26/04/07

Bhatnagar B & Williams A C. “Participatory Development and the World Bank:potential directions for change.” World Bank Discussion Paper No. 183, WashingtonDC, Annex 2. 1992.

Cabral, Lidia, Farrington, John and Ludi, Eva. “The Millennium Villages Project: A newapproach to ending rural poverty in Africa.”, 101 Overseas Development Institute, 2006http://www.odi.org/uk/nrp/nrp101_web.pdf

Chambers Robert. “Participatory Rural Appraisal and the Reverse of Power.”Cambridge Anthropology, Vol. 19 No 1. 1996, pp 5-23

Chronic Poverty Research Center “ Chronic Poverty in Uganda: The PolicyChallenges”, Chronic Poverty Research Center, UK 2005.

Earth Institute.” The Millennium Villages: A New Approach to FightingPoverty” The Earth Institute at Columbia University. 2006,http://www.earth.columbia.edu/millenniumvillages/index.php

Fountain Publishers. Uganda District Information Handbook: Expanded Edition 2005-2006. Fountain Publishers: Kampala. 2005

Gibson Tony.” Planning for real: The approach of the Neighbourhood InitiativesFoundation in the UK.” RRA Notes. No.11, 1991

Government of Uganda, Ministry of Local Government, 2005,http://www.molg.go.ug/LocalGovernments.htm *accessed on 26/04/07

Mbarara District. “District Information Portal: Mbarara District”, UgandaCommunication Commission (UCC). 2003, http://www.mbarara.go.ug/index.htm

Mbarara District Information Portal, [http://www.mbarara.go.ug/overview/dist_map.htm](accessed 31.05.07)

Mbarara District Profile, nd. http://www.ugandadish.org/mbarara.doc * accessed on26/04/07

33

Millennium Promise. “Millennium Villages: A closer look: Ruhiira, Uganda”. 2006,http://mp.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=mv_ruhiira * Access 24 April, 2007

Millennium Villages Project “ Annual Report for Ruhiira, Uganda Millennium VillageYear 1: February 2006-February 2007” Edited by United Nations Development Program(UNDP)

Millennium Village Report.“The Millennium Village Project”. Press Report November2006, UNDP. 2006, http://www.undp.org.sn/new/mv/Newsletter%20nov.pdf* Access 24 April, 2007

Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. “Poverty Eradication ActionPlan 2004/5-2007/8”, Ministery of Finance, Planning and Economic Development,Kampala. 2004

Nyamugasira, Warren and Rowden, Rick. “New Strategies, Old Loan Conditions: Do theNew IMF and World Bank Loans Support Countries' Poverty Reduction Strategies? TheCase of Uganda.” http://www.africaaction.org/docs02/ugan0204.htm * accessed April 24, 2007.

OEDC and African Development Bank, “African Economic Outlook 2004/2005:Uganda”, ODEC Emerging Economies Number 5. Development Centre: Paris2005, pp. 425-437

Piron, Laure-Hélène and Norton, Andy, "Politics and the PRSP Approach: Uganda CaseStudy", Working Paper, Number WP240, Overseas Development Institute: London.2004.

Sachs, Jeffrey. “Foreign Aid Skeptics Thrive on Pessimism” L.A. Times May 7th, 2006Op-Ed piece. * Accessed via UN-Wire daily news round up on May 8th, 2006.

School of Peace and Conflict Management, 2005, An Assessment of Civic Literacy inUganda’s Local Government. http://www.royalroads.ca/NR/rdonlyres/4864D118-CD0F-43A5-8F1F-2F331FA8F3A1/0/CanadaCorpReportFinal.pdf * accessed on 26/04/07

Shaw, Timothy and Mbabazi, Pamela."Two Africas? Two Ugandas? An African'Democratic Developmental State'? Or another 'failed state?” Conference on MakingPeace Work, UNU, WIDER, Helsinki. 2004,

Siriri, David. “Questions Regarding Ruhiira MV Site.” Email Correspondence April 18th

2007.

Tusingwire, Hilda “Ruhiira Millennium Villages Project” * Presentation given on May8th, 2007 at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

34

Uganda’s Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP), International Monetary Fund,http://www.imf.org/external/NP/prsp/2000/Uga/01/index.htm *Access 11 April, 2007

United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (HABITAT). “An urbanizing world:Global Report on Human Settlements.” Oxford University Press, 1996. pp.322-326

United Nations Millennium Development Goals. 2000http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/index.html * accessed 4/25/07

UN Millennium Project. “Millennium Villages: A New Approach to FightingPoverty”, Millennium Project. 2006, http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/mv/index.htm

World Bank, World Development Report 2000/2001: Attacking Poverty,http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTPOVERTY/0,,contentMDK:20195989~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:336992,00.html * Access 25April, 2007

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APPENDIX

36

APPENDIX # 1: Power Matrix

High ImportanceA1 A3

B3 A2

B2

B1

B4B5

B6

Low Importance Low Influence High Influence

KeyPrimary Stakeholders: Secondary Stakeholders:

A1 - Ruhiira Village Residents B1 – UNDP the executing organizationA2 – local Government B2 – Staff within UNDPA3 – Central Government B3 – Donors and Fund raisers

B4 – Scientific AdvisorB5 – UN agenciesB6 – Other NGOs

37

APPENDIX # 2: Uganda’s Local Government System

38

APPENDIX # 3 : Transect Walk Map

39

APPENDIX # 4 : Sector Findings Figures

4.1 Enterprise Sector

Before After

1 market for 2000 villagers Still 1 market for 2000 villagers

Over exploitation of farmers by

middleman

Has been addressed

Over 15 km walk to nearest market Still the same

Limited opportunities for investment Has been improved mainly for women by

establishment of Millennium Village

Cooperative Bank

No value addition to produce sold by

communities

Has not been address by the existing

marketing strategy (hence we are

recommending a more comprehensive

marketing strategy)

Farmers individually sold their stock,

earning 4000 USh per bunch of Matooke

Farmers group formed and bulking

centres established, bunches are sold at

6000 USh now earning better profit for

farmers.

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4.2 Agriculture and Environment Sector Figures

Activities Value

Bean yields increase (kg/hector) from 500 to 1100

Number of trained farmers for bean production 1300

Number of trained farmers for maize collection 66

Improved bean seed (tons) 12

Improved maize seed (tons) 32

Improved DAP fertilizer (tons) 25

Improved DAP (kg) 15

Improved Urea (kg) 15

Maize demonstration (gardens) 12

Tree central nurseries 4

Raised & distributed Grevillea tree seedlings 15,000

Raised & distributed Calliandra tree seedlings 2,000

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4.3 Health Sector Findings: Major health issues

In children In adults

Malaria Malaria

Worm infestation Syphilis

Syphilis TB

RTIs HIV/AIDS

Diarrheal diseases

Fungal infections

Source: Annual Report for Ruhiira

Condition Progress

Only 3% of households used

mosquito nets

Over 33,000 nets distributed to

12,000 households

Malaria cases in Ruhiira: 2141

(Aug ’05)

Malaria cases in Ruhiira: 751

(Oct ’05)

182 community workers

selected & trained

Selection of an addition of 91

community workers

Average patients attending

health clinics – 2 (Aug ’05)

Average patients attending

health clinics – 50 (Oct ’05)

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APPENDIX # 5: Interviews – Structured and Unstructured

Foreword:

Material presented within this section is solely a representation of the research techniquesengaged in during the course of fieldwork exercise therefore does not reflect our findingswholly. Due to the constraint of time and space, we had to cut back presentation of ourfindings and present a summary in order to demonstrate the methodology. The keyfindings however are fully expressed within the body of actual report.

Name: James Byaruhamgia Position: Sub-county Chief Place: Sub-county officeDate: 08/05/07 Type: Semi-structured Count: 1

What are the contributions of MVPs to PEAP?

By looking at the focus of the government of Uganda on agriculture and cropproduction and its later provisions for commercialization, it seems that MVPs arecontributing a lot to reduction of poverty at a national scale.

Could you tell us about the administration structure at different levels from villages tocounty level?

There are leaders present in each village which are elected directly by thevillagers themselves. These villages are linked together to form a parish. At parishlevel, there is an Administration Unit which is a committee consisting of thesevillage leaders. Then councils are elected at parish level from the parishAdministration Unit to represent the parish. The chairman is elected by sub-county population. There is also another system which are the Parish Chiefswhich are appointed by District Service Commission which is the body whichrecruits for civil servants within the district.

What about the issue of sustainability?

I do not know much about the sustainability of the project, but I know that itwould be a serious matter to analyze when the project is handed over to thegovernment (after 5 years). But at the same time, we do not have much capacity atsub-county level.

Could you expand a bit on the land tenure system?

Right now we do not have a formal title system. Mostly it is still being done in thecustomary way. However, we do not have severe land conflicts and it should evenbe fine at national level.

43

In your opinion, how has gender equality being addressed in MVs?

Right now there is an officer at sub-county level to address gender issues. Werespect gender issues. But at the same time we have allocated budget for activitiesand facilitation. We have even included gender inequality in various assessmentswe have made.

And what about participation and empowerment; how have this been addressed?

The villagers are the most active in MVPs. At sub-county level we know all thehappenings within the MVs. We are invited to meetings and consulted bydifferent MVP bodies.

Could you tell us more about monitoring and evaluation of the project?

This is totally out of the scope of our (Sub-county council) responsibilities. Whatwe get are only the reports from MVPs and I absolutely know nothing about theevaluation.

What about the various partnerships that you seem to have or will have in the future?

(He ignored this question)

Anything else you would like to mention?

We require more capabilities (it seems that he is unhappy with the allocation ofresources and believes that in order for them to become more actively involved,they need more resources). And for sustainability, I strongly believe that there arecertain programs in the project that will suffer at later stages. Especially the bigones.

Thank you very much for your time and concern.

Name: David Siriri Position: UN MVP Science Coordinator Place: UNDP-Ruhiira

Date: 10/05/07 Type: Semi-structured Count: 2

Could you tell us about the monitoring and evaluation system in this project?

We have already captured the baseline information. However the majority of ourdata has only been collected from our research village which as you know isRuhiira. The assessment of the impact of this project will not take place till 2009.But we have continuous data collection and monitoring during the implementation

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phase. We also have a sector-specific monitoring system. Still apart from thebaseline surveys, there is no properly designed monitoring and evaluation system.That is because if a monitoring and evaluation is designed, it should be uniformall over Africa therefore UNDP is waiting for Columbia University to advise onfurther actions.

We have realized that sustainability and dependency are the two most important issuesin this project, what are your plans to tackle issues arising within this context? Forexample, we have found that imported fertilizers have created a huge dependency inthe agriculture sector:

We have always mentioned to the community that these would stop (by these hemeant supplements and subsidies). Don’t forget that this project is a model with ahigh per capita investment. There are 4 key ingredients that one should take intoconsideration:1-local government’s involvement.2-community ownership and involvement3-building a local private sector4-local institutionsRegarding the fertilizers, we are really looking forward to the private sectortaking over the supplement of seeds and fertilizers.

We have been told by the officials in the District Council’s Office that their interactionwith MVP is fading, what is your answer to this claim?

It seems that at sub-county level there is a high intervention and interaction whileat district level, these interactions start to lose order.

How, in your opinion, is MVP contributing to PEAP?

MDGs are realized as one of the best ways to eradicate poverty. What is actuallybeing done is the reposition of PEAP to meet MDGs (PEAP is realigned to meetMDGs!) and actually PEAP & MDGs are quite the same. What is happening isthat PEAP is shifting from a World Bank-based model to a more or less UN-basedone.

You mentioned about fertilizers earlier, could you please expand on that?

When the project started, we didn’t even have organic components for fertilizersand the soil condition was so bad that we decided to jump-start the process. Nowpeople have realized the importance of the fertilizers. Fertilizer are now providedby the donors but we are planning to subsidize it and decrease these subsidiesgradually in order to – hopefully – see if people are willing to buy fertilizers fromthe local market. Fertilizers will be provided by the local private sector which isbeing looked at by our Enterprise coordinator (Richard Happy).

45

What about the supplement of drugs in health sector?

Local government has a small contribution to supplement of drugs. (Then hemoved on and talked about a future scheme that he called “Health InsuranceScheme” which was not clear to any of us and seemed too idealistic). But still, ifproperly utilized, even a short supply of drugs would suffice.

We have been told that traditional approaches are being discouraged by UNDP. If youadmit that drugs are becoming a major issue then why don’t you utilize the informalhealth sector and mobilize them so that they will become more effective?

Our traditional healings are based on superstitions and most healers do not haveenough knowledge regarding effective medication. Traditional healers areoutlawed by Uganda legal system. But for the ones with sufficient knowledge,we feel that we need to train them in order to be able to use them. Actually one ofthe reasons for a high number of mortality is because of these traditional healers.

What about gender issues? How have you addressed them?

For this purpose, we have recruited a gender facilitator but I must admit that therehas not been a properly managed and designed program apart from someinterventions in schools. Our biggest challenge is property ownership and use.According to the Land Act 1998 by Ugandan government, land belongs to bothmen and women. But still this hasn’t been applied practically.

What are your plans to improve transportation and infrastructure?

In infrastructure sector, we are looking at :1-building construction2-road construction3-ICT4-EnergyFor the first year, the priorities were mostly water and food issues. Now we haveplans to construct new access roads. As soon as this is done, it is believed that theprivate sector will enter and facilitate growth. And regarding affordability, wethink that if the income of people increases, people will afford it. And we havebought an ambulance which is being managed by all health units. (But actually,the health unit officials told us that there is no ambulance).

Could you tell us more about education in MVPs; their water supplies, their feedingprogram and their textbooks for example?

For everything we do, we are guided by the community action plans. We haveidentified the priorities of different schools and have developed a time frame. Wedon’t have the capacity to undertake all priorities simultaneously and we also

46

need the in-kind contribution for other areas as well. Each school has differentpriorities but the work plan is there and we are working on it.

For our last question, could you tell us more about the marketing and promotion ofagricultural products?

People here have started to think of what ‘sells better’ rather than what ‘is better’as foods. We are planning to facilitate market linkages, negotiation and capacitybuilding. The elimination of middlemen and the grouping of farmers has helpedwith the negotiation of better prices and the provision of additional services.

Thank you very much Mr.Siriri for your time.

Name: Unknown Position: Restaurant owner Place: Ruhiira VillageDate: 09/05/07 Type: Unstructured Count: 1

How has your business been affected since MVP has been introduced to the village?

MVP hasn’t affected my business much. I cannot indicate any significant changeor improvement to my business.

Are there any training initiatives given to you by MVP staff which can help you toenhance your business?

I have had only one session of training by the Enterprise officer. We actuallyhaven’t had a local group meeting with MVP, but we have had meetings with thelocal council.

Could you tell us a bit about your operating hours? When do you open and when doyou close?

I open early in the morning and my shop is open all day.

Anything else that you want to mention?

Yes, I think that this project is only benefiting the farmers and does not offermuch for our other businesses.

Thanks.

47

Name: Unknown Position: Men saloon andbanana wholesaler

Place: Ruhiira Village

Date: 09/05/07 Type: Unstructured Count: 2

How has your business been affected since MVP has been introduced to the village?

I have more customers these days and my business has improved. MVP staffshave added to my previous customers and they buy from us.

What are you going to do with these bananas? (There was a bunch of banana in frontof the shop)

I have just bought these bananas from the farmers in the village and I am waitingfor someone to buy them from me here and resell them in Mbarara.

When do you think they will come to buy your bananas?

It usually doesn’t take more than a day or two for a buyer to come and buy ourproducts.

What do you think you need the most from MVP?

What we all need the most is first water and then electricity.

Thank you very much for your time.

Name: Unknown Position: Grocery store owner Place: Ruhiira VillageDate: 09/05/07 Type: Unstructured Count: 3

How has your business been affected since MVP has been introduced to the village?

The sales volume has increased, there is more variety of products available and,of course, I am making more money these days.

Have there been any negative effects from MVP to your business?

So far, no. (interviewee seemed distracted, so we decided to leave)

Thanks.

48

Name: Unknown Position: Grocery store owner Place: Ruhiira VillageDate: 09/05/07 Type: Unstructured Count: 4

How has your business been affected since MVP has been introduced to the village?

We have been doing OK. Don’t forget that we have opened this shop only afterMVP. But there has not been any significant increase in sales as we have basicallythe same number of customers.

What do you think you need the most from MVP?

What we need the most – in my opinion – is electricity.

Thanks.

Name: Christine Arinaitwe Position: Housewife Place: Ruhiira VillageDate: 09/05/07 Type: Unstructured Count: 5

How many children do you have? And do they go to school?

Four. Three of them attend schools and the other one is still young.

What are the main problems in your village?

Our biggest issue is water. But I hope that it will improve in the near future.

How do you feel MVP has affected you and your family?

I am very happy about the school feeding program, but my family income is stilllow. I still have to fetch water which is a big problem.

What about your rights as a woman; what has changed?

Nothing has changed so far. As I said, we still have to fetch water and actuallywomen do all the work here while the money only goes to food.

Do you know that MVP staff will be here for 5 years? What are your concerns afterthey leave?

In my opinion, there would be no problem if they bring water and the water stayswhen they leave.

49

Anything else that concerns you apart from water?

Yes. The food. We want to sell our food to gain some money.

Do you think agriculture is enough for your income?

It is fine as long as we get to sell them and/or exchange them for other foods (shementions tomatoes as an example).

Thank you very much Christine.