research consultancy in Uganda

research consultancy in Uganda

This study will adopt a descriptive case study design, which will allow the research to focus on the contemporary phenomenon of environmental stewardship within the context of the Albertine region. A case study is an empirical inquiry that focuses on a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context (Yin 1994, in Roux & Cheryl, 2017). The main components of my research design are theological and ethical research that will be guided by interpretive research philosophy. This philosophy gives understanding of how people observe the world and the value that they allocate to a particular predicament (Mwenda, 2017). From these views, an assessment of the church of Uganda environmental stewardship in the Albertine Region will be done. This will be conducted as follows.

The theological Component of Research will be conducted qualitatively where hermeneutical approaches and phenomenological approaches to data collection, analysis and interpretation will be adopted. The theological themes concerning Christian stewardship will be explained and interrogated for further application in enforcing environmental stewardship. Under this component of research, the research will focus on establishing the theological approaches that the church can adopt to fulfill her mandate for environmental stewardship.

The ethical component of research will be done through a mixed survey that will collect both quantitative and qualitative data concerning Christian stewardship, the practices of the church concerning environmental stewardship, the current factors responsible for environmental degradation, the status of environmental stewardship in the Albertine region and the level of association between religious teachings and ethical behaviors regarding environmental stewardship. The emerging themes and findings will be used to establish how Christian stewardship contributes to environmental stewardship and so the ethical approaches that Church of Uganda can adopt to enforce environmental stewardship.

1.3.2 Research Approach

In this study, I will use a mixed method approach, where both quantitative and qualitative approaches will be followed, and their associated data collection methods and analysis criteria will be incorporated.  The choice for the mixed method is based on the nature of the data that I seek to collect and the procedures for interpretation. As Roux & Cheryl (2017) asserts, a mixed method approach offers the researcher the opportunity to collect rich data which produces robust research results. The mixed method therefore increases the comprehensiveness of overall findings and the methodological rigor given that there is room for checking consistency.

1.3.3 The Study Area

This presents the background of Albertine region, mainly the category of people that occupy the region and the main activities that take place in the region. This has impact on how the environment is managed.  My interest is to explore how the region has supported population growth, economic growth and urbanization. Based on secondary literature and participant observation, the state of environmental management will be therefore discussed.  According to the Map of Uganda, the Albertine region is located in the western part of Uganda and the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains to the west, the Blue Mountains to the east, and the Mitumba Mountains to the south. The Albertine region is home to a number of large lakes, including Lake Albert, Lake Edward, and Lake Kivu (Mawejje, 2019).

The study was carried out in Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, which covers the districts of Hoima and Kibaale. The diocese was formed in 1972 out of Ruwenzori Diocese. It has a congregation of about 900,000 people and about 80% of these live by subsistence farming as their source of livelihood. The diocese implements a number of programmes to improve the social and economic lives of the people. Bunyoro Kitara Diocese is one of the most important religious institutions in Albertine region. It plays a vital role in providing education, healthcare, and other social services to the people of Hoima and Kibaale districts.

The Albertine region is one of the most important economic regions in Uganda. It is home to a number of natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals. The Albertine region is home to some of the largest oil and gas reserves in Africa. A number of oil and gas companies are operating in the region, including TotalEnergies, CNOOC, and Tullow Oil. The region is also a major agricultural producer, producing crops such as coffee, tea, cassava, and bananas. It is also attracting tourists. The Albertine region is home to a number of tourist attractions, including the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Albert, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Tourism is a major source of revenue for the region. Further, the Albertine region is home to a number of mineral deposits, including gold, cobalt, and tin, although this is still relatively underdeveloped.

The Albertine region is home to a diverse range of people, from the Indigenous people to the workers in the oil and gas. The Batwa who are indigenous people of the Albertine region are hunters. Agriculturalists are the majority of the populace in the Albertine region. They grow a variety of crops, including coffee, tea, cassava, and bananas. There are also fishermen since the region is a home to a number of large lakes, including Lake Albert and Lake Edward. Fishing is a major source of livelihood for many people in the region. Given the oil and gas industry, the Albertine region has attracted a large number of oil and gas workers to the region. And in addition to these groups, there are also a number of other people living in the Albertine region, including traders, teachers, and government officials. In summary, Albertine region is a multicultural and diverse region. The people of the region have a rich history and culture. They are also very resilient and have adapted to the many challenges that they have faced over the years.

In regard to the background of Albertine region, environmental management in the Albertine region is important consideration. The region is home to a number of sensitive ecosystems, including the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Albert, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The region is also a major economic hub, with oil and gas exploration and production being the key economic activity (Mawejje, 2019; Byakagaba, Mugagga & Nnakayima, 2019).  With the various economic and social activities, the environment in the region is at the risk of pollution, and deforestation. Environmental management in the Albertine region is a complex issue that requires a multi-stakeholder approach. The church together with the government, oil and gas companies, NGOs, and local communities all need to work together to ensure that the region’s environment is protected.

1.3.3 Research Participants

Under this section, the features of the participants in the study are presented. The characteristics of the respondents in the research study provide an opportunity to underscore how their background influences how people in Albertine region observe environmental stewardship.

Table 2.1: Showing Demographic Characteristics of Respondents

Source: Primary data from Questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions May 2023

According to table 2.1 above, the majority of the respondents (52%) are married while 24 % are single, 11% are separated, 9% are divorced and 3% are widowed. Regarding religious affiliations, 47% of respondents are Protestant Christians while 32% are Catholics, 12% are Muslims and 9% of respondents are Born Again Christians. For education level of participants, majority of the respondents (47%) have attained secondary level of education, 44% have attained a primary level of education, and 8% have tertiary education, while 1% of the participants have never attended school. The findings indicate that respondents that participated in the study have attained a reasonable level of education to relevantly contribute to the study results.

The religious affiliation and the level of education is necessary variables to explain the behavior human society regarding environmental management. I consider religious affiliation and education attainment as significant variable to discuss environmental stewardship. Studies supported the notion of one’s level of education having a significant impact on their environmental management skills (Billes & Bjerke, 2001 and Sterling, 2005). So, the population with higher levels of education are more likely to have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to be successful environmental managers. Education can provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to understand and address environmental problems (Sterling, 2005).  Education can also help individuals to develop their communication and leadership skills required to promote good stewardship of environment. In general, individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for effective environmental management. To understand the theoretical perspectives regarding environmental management, education level is an important variable to explain how stewardship and social justice can be promoted.

Religious affiliation is considered as necessary to explain practices related to environmental stewardship. So, I argue that one’s religious affiliation can explain the religious beliefs and values that motivate people to care for the environment. This variable also indicates what the religious tradition teaches regarding the responsibility of humanity towards environmental stewardship. It is hence perceived that religious beliefs can motivate people to adopt sustainable practices for good environmental management, argues Riley (2014). Understanding the religious background lies ground for appreciating how religious communities can enhance opportunities for the community to learn about environmental issues (Inglehart, 2018). This can also reveal the role of religious leaders in raising awareness on environmental issues and advocate for policies and practices that promote effective environmental stewardship. In summary, religious affiliation can play a significant role in shaping people’s attitudes and behaviors towards the environment.

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research consultancy in Uganda

research consultancy in Uganda

research consultancy in Uganda