Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Population studies

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Browsing Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Population studies by Author "Akugizibwe, Mathias"

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    ‘I no longer worry about money for transport to the health centre’ - economic empowerment of caregivers of children living with HIV through Village Savings and Loan Associations: experiences and lessons from the ’Towards an AIDS Free Generation Program in Uganda (TAFU)’
    (BMC Health Services Research, 2025-02-04) Rujumba, Joseph; Roebersen, Carmen ; Namara, Susan ; Ochen, Richard ; Ahumuza, Sharon Eva ; Tushabe, Allen ; Akugizibwe, Mathias ; Bitira, David ; Mwesigye, Innocent ; Kentusi, Stella ; Zakumumpa, Henry ; Kwiringira, Japheth ; Natukwatsa, Musinguzi Merian
    Background In Uganda, social economic challenges continue to hinder attainment of HIV prevention and treatment targets for children. Aidsfonds and partners in Uganda implemented an eight-year ‘Towards an AIDS Free Generation in Uganda’ (TAFU) programme in central, western and eastern, Uganda with Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) as a key component. In this paper we document experiences of caregivers, children and health workers and lessons learnt from VSLAs as part of the TAFU programme in Uganda. Methodology A qualitative case study was conducted between July and August 2022 in Ntungamo, Kyenjojo Mityana, Mubende and Soroti, districts. Data were collected through 31 focus group discussions (FGDs) with VSLA members, children and adolescents living with HIV, networks of people living with HIV and Village Health Team members (VHTs). In addition, we conducted 11 interviews with children and their caregivers at TAFU supported health facilities as well as 43 interviews with health workers and district ofcials involved in HIV programming. Content thematic approach was used for data analysis. Results The VSLAs under the TAFU programme were a source of economic resources in form of loans for income generation activities and to pay for health care costs which facilitated access to HIV care for children. Members developed lasting friendships and networks of support which helped them to meet the material and psychological needs of children. The VSLA groups provided safe spaces for caregivers to share challenges and to learn more about HIV prevention and treatment from expert clients which improved the care for children living with HIV. Group training,
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    Urban agriculture as an evolved sustainable urban livelihood: evidence from Kampala city, Uganda
    (Agriculture & Food Security, 2024-12-22) Japheth, Kwiringira; Elizabeth, W. Perry Mohling; Akugizibwe, Mathias; Paulino, Ariho; James, Mugisha; Henry, Zakumumpa; Joseph, Rujumba; Innocent, Kamara Tumwebaze
    Background For centuries, urban agriculture has been a vital livelihood strategy of urban households in developing countries. Previous studies looked at urban agriculture at a point in time as an urban livelihood for the urban poor that struggle with eking out a living, without the current dynamism, which attracts the non-poor into the practice. Having become an integral part of the urban economy, the study objective was to use poultry farming, to explore the role of urban agriculture as an evolved and dynamic urban livelihood that attracts the non-poor. Methods The study was conducted in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. The unit of analysis were urban farming households. Data were collected through four (4) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), sixteen (16) key informants and twenty (20) In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected for a period of two (2) months using unstructured research instruments, triangulated and thematically analysed. Results Our results indicate that; urban agriculture is an evolving urban activity. This evolution and continuities were driven by the merits of urban agriculture (food, jobs and income) to urban dwellers. Urban agriculture also contributed to the economic inclusion of women and the urban poor. There was household resource logic in practicing urban agriculture, especially in the private sector, where jobs were scarce. In view of these innovations, the urban authorities were supporting urban farmers with demonstrations and certifed inputs for farmers in Kampala and beyond. To further develop urban agriculture, it is recommended that farmers organize themselves into viable groups to further realize corporate advantages such as better resource access such as afordable fnancing, access to better inputs and linkages with various institutions and stakeholders in production, value addition, policy and marketing for better returns and sustainable farming practices. Conclusions These fndings if used in perspective by planners and regional managers have utility for the anchoring of urban agriculture in the urbanisation agenda for Uganda and beyond. It is envisaged that, stakeholders can draw useful actions relating to sustainable urban food production (consumer food shed), waste management, incomes, job creation, training, research and innovations in urban areas.