The Socio-economic Impact of NAADS Agricultural Driven Initiatives in the Tea Sector in South-Western Uganda (2015 -2025)

Abstract

Since its establishment by the Ugandan government in 2001, the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) has worked to boost agricultural productivity and enhance livelihoods throughout the nation. The study investigated the socio-economic impact of NAADS’ programs in the tea-growing Greater Bushenyi sub-region of South-Western Uganda. The research evaluated the effect of NAADS support to the tea sector on employment, infrastructure, health, education and economic business development based on survey data and interviews with national and local stakeholders. Emphasis was put on examining how NAADS support led to the development of tea processing industries/SMEs and how such establishments resulted in an employment boost, business development, infrastructure advancement and general community well-being. The study findings have shown that the NAADS agricultural driven initiatives in the tea sector in Greater Bushenyi sub-region of South-western Uganda have greatly contributed to the socio-economic development in many ways including employment of local personnel, road improvement, electric power extension into rural areas, expansion of education and health infrastructure, establishment of new forward and backward economic activities and general improvement of community welfare. However, it was also noted that despite the socio-economic boost as a result of increased tea growing and processing in Greater Bushenyi, a great deal of additional investments and strategic planning is required in order to achieve comprehensive and sustainable socio-economic development from the NAADS agriculture-driven initiatives in the tea sector