Evaluation of the heifer project for women farmers in Mpigi district (Uganda)

Abstract

This is an evaluation of the implementation of the Heifer Project for Women Farmers in Mpigi District, whose aim is to uplift the economic and nutritional status of the beneficiaries. A questionnaire was developed and designed to collect data on 40 project participants regarding demographic features, adequacy and timeliness of the project inputs, productivity of the project cows, farmers' management practices as well as project dropouts. Secondary information was obtained from the project office, chiefs and relevant Government departments regarding administrative and institutional aspects of the project. The data obtained were cleaned and analyzed using SPSS computer software package. The demographic features of the study sample were representative of the Ugandan peri-urban society. Its inhabitants are generally literate and have a high dependency ratio. The disbursement of project inputs was bureaucratic and inadequate. Farmers contributed substantially to the project inputs except in areas where they were not properly advised. The productivity of the project cow in terms of milk yield and reproduction is considered adequate. Farmers displayed exceptionally good management practices in all those areas they were initially familiar with, though poor in areas where the training support and project staff guidance was inadequate.