Contribution of soldiers to inputs distribution under Operation Wealth Creation programme in Uganda
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Abstract
Uganda has continued to explore several models for improving inputs distribution to smallholder farmers. In 2013, Ugandan Government through Operation Wealth Creations (OWC) program deployed solders to spearhead inputs distribution to farmers. Soldiers were expected to mobilize farmers, deliver and monitor the inputs aimed to generate wealth in the farmers’ households. This study sought to establish the extent to which farmers are satisfied with the roles and competencies of soldiers in discharging their assigned duties. The study involved 185 beneficiary farmers, 18 farmer Committees and 08 key informants. Findings indicate that the soldiers are engaged in mobilization, delivery and monitoring of inputs distribution. Fifty (50%) of the beneficiary farmers expressed satisfaction with roles of soldiers in input distribution. This was attributed to the soldiers’ capability to maintain discipline, fight corruption, follow-up on results, and time keeping. Findings further indicate that more than 50% of farmers are impressed and satisfied with organizational and communication skills of soldiers except for the social and technical competencies. However, about 60% of the beneficiary farmers perceived that these roles were actually executed by the local and farmers’ leaders, but not the soldiers, which requires urgent redesining of the extension roles in the Standard Order of Procedure (SOP) .
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