Browsing by Author "Kebirungi, Harriet"

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Exploration of Gender, Equity, and Information Access and Utilization of Services and Opportunities: Do Ugandan Universities Empower Students and Foster Belonging
(East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 2024-08-26) Kebirungi, Harriet; Apajo, Josephine; Kuteesa, Naphtali Happy; Nakafeero, Angela
Anchored in social justice theory, this study explored gender and equity perspectives on access and utilization of information on services and opportunities by students in Institutions of Higher Learning in Uganda. The goal was to determine whether such information created a sense of belonging. Information on services and opportunities required by students and sources of information provided by Ugandan HIL were examined. The study used a cross-sectional research design. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data were used from six universities. Data was collected from 162 participants (150 students and 12 key informants) using surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and secondary reviews tools. The study identifies student’s representatives and religious leaders as the main sources of information. Although according to social justice theory recommends student’s engagement in activities that affect them universities excluded them from identifying, developing, packaging, disseminating, monitoring and evaluating of their information needs on S&Os. Most critical information required by students includes sexually transmitted infections, reproductive health, HIV/AIDs cooperate governance, career guidance and internship and job placement, scholarships and financial literacy. Generally, information on basic S&O provided by universities did not create a sense of belonging. Information on services and opportunities from university administration was perceived as difficult to comprehend, detached, without speaking to student actualities, yet students were not homogenous nor gendered beings. The insensitivity to gender and equity information needs of students affected more female male students, disabilities and those from disadvantaged communities. This article serves as an opportunity to advance discussions on gender inclusive and equity dimensions towards the creation of a sense of belonging in universities. This would require social justice and gender-inclusive trajectories aimed at dismantling gender-insensitive systems in universities.
Factors influencing farmer choices of use of shade trees in coffee fields around Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda
(Small-scale Forestry : Springer, 2022-07-18) Sebuliba, Esther; Isubikalu, Prossy; Turyahabwe, Nelson; Mwanjalolo, J. G Majaliwa; Eilu, Gerald; Kebirungi, Harriet; Egeru, Anthony
The debate on integration of shade trees on farmers’ fields is lately becoming more pronounced due to the increasing land fragmentation, particularly in the highlands where the number of trees on farm is reducing drastically. In these farmlands, the choice of shade trees is the result of complex farmers’ analyses and valuation of tradeoffs among the increasing productivity, socioeconomic and environmental benefits. However, little is known about what coffee farmers specifically base their decisions on to select and grow shade trees in their fields. This study therefore identified the key reasons behind farmers’ choices of use of shade trees in coffee fields on Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda using the Unified Theory of Use and Acceptance of the Technology framework. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 respondents and complimented with focus group discussions. A Structural Equation Modelling technique was conducted to examine the usage of shade trees. Results show facilitating conditions also known as institutional factors were significant in explaining the choices of farmers to use shade trees, with the effect stronger on soils of low fertility. Effort expectancy and social influence only marginally influenced use. The model explains 69% of the variance in choice to use shade trees in coffee agroforestry systems. Mediation by soil fertility, gender and experience explain 23%, 16%, and 4%; respectively. Effort expectancy and the existence of adequate facilitating conditions increased females’ choices to use shade trees. This study underscores the consideration for location specific technology facilitating conditions, social influence and ease of use, for long standing technologies, by farming support institutions, decision-makers and development partners in designing and disseminating sustainable agricultural management strategies for implementation in coffee-based agroforestry systems.
The social-economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic on livelihoods of commercial Boda-Boda motorists in Uganda
(Lwati: A Journal of Contemporary Research, 2021-04-22) Kebirungi, Harriet
The social-economic effects of Covid-19 pandemic on livelihoods of commercial boda-boda motorists in the Kira Town Council, Uganda. Were investigated by the author cross-sectional research design was adapted. Four focus group discussions and 4 in-dept interviews were conducted. Covid-19 movement restrictions paused challenges to boda-boda motorists including loss of employment, their families grappled with food insecurity and they suffered violence from spouses and brutality from security agencies. Awareness creation and interventions on violence against boda-boda motorists and social protection systems and services for men who suffer violence from the public and private spheres are required.