The impact of donor/aid funding on poverty eradication in Uganda

Abstract

The research was aimed at finding out how much impact donor/aid funding by the ADF has had on poverty eradication among Uganda’s poor communities that have benefited and whether as a result of this funding there has been any economic growth that has helped uplift people’s livelihoods, especially those who have received the funding and the communities around them. The study focused and covered the different projects that have been funded by ADF as a means to try and eradicate poverty among the poor communities in Uganda. The targeted areas of this study are projects that have been funded during the period ADF has operated in Uganda. The study also included the views of the beneficiaries of ADF Funds on its contribution to their development as individuals, families and groups/communities and those of some of the staff of ADF Uganda Office. The study also sought information on the overall management of the projects from selection criteria for beneficiaries, monitoring and evaluation of progress regarding implementation by ADF. The study utilized qualitative approach supplemented by the quantitative method for the purposes of eliciting detailed information from respondents. The survey population was mainly composed of the members of the community/beneficiaries of the ADF funding and also the staff member of ADF office and its local partner organization. Findings African Development Foundation is the Principal Agency of the U.S. government supporting community-based self-help initiatives to build economic opportunity and sustainable development for Africa’s poorest communities. Most of the projects are co owned by partners who form associations or groups and choose their leaders. ADF gives funding to people who already own businesses and have the intention of expanding their businesses in order to improve on the quality and quantity of their products. Recommendations: Knowledge of business management is very crucial for the success and sustainability of any business. It is therefore critically important that training be included in the project activities as a priority area that every beneficiary project must undertake before engaging in other activities. The experience and approach has been to provide access to micro credit to already established social groups. The challenge has been that their attitude and perception of the beneficiaries has not been with the business mind. It is recommended that ADF does not only cater for those who have already formed into groups or companies but also adjusts so that the very vulnerable who may not even have the capacity and capability to form into groups can also benefit from the funding