FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN BUSHENYI – ISHAKA MUNICIPALITY,
BUSHENYI DISTRICT
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the background information about the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, research questions and significance of the study and scope of the study, limitations and how they were minimized.
1.1 Background information
The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Dignity and Rights of Disabled People has provided among others the four chapters which cover the all aspects of life of disabled persons. This includes preconditions for equal participation, target areas for equal participation, implementation measures and the monitoring mechanism. The convention recognises that disability is an evolving concept and that disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others (UN, 2006).
According to the Persons with Disability Act (2006) Disability means a substantial functional limitation of daily life activities caused by physical, mental or sensory impairment and environmental barriers resulting into limited participation. This is in line with the National Policy on Disability in Uganda (2006) which defines disability as a permanent and substantial functional limitation of daily life activities caused by physical, mental or sensory impairment and environmental barriers resulting into limited participation. According to the Uganda Population and Housing Census (2002) a person with disability is a person or one who is limited in the kind of or amount of activities that he/ she can do, because of an ongoing difficulties due to long term physical condition or healthy problems that have lasted for long. For example in their report (2002) four out of every twenty five persons in Uganda are persons with disabilities. The report continues to mention that, the prevalence rates in 2002 was higher than 11% obtained from the 1991 census.
In the last two decades of the 20th Century, the push for full economics integration of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was intensified with introduction of the programs. Consequently a conducive environment has been created in which a number of PWDs have attained academic functional skills in universities and many more trained in tertiary and vocational training institutions (Mwandha, 2001). Majority of PWDs find it difficult to engage in Income Generating Activities (IGAs) than their non disabled peers. In developing countries like South Africa, Nigeria and several physical, social or cultural barriers undermine the integration of PWDs in IGAs.
International Labour Organization (ILO) (1995) believes that IGA is a viable way of enhancing social integration and economic independence of PWDs. Several vocational rehabilitation centers were set up to equip PWDs with vocational skills necessary for settlement into some form of employment. By 1970 over 200 PWDs had been trained and placed mainly in the informal sector of employment.
In Uganda, there are no accurate figures on the number of PWDs, however, World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 10% of any population is disabled. It also estimates that of the 10% only 5.8% of the PWDs need to be provided with services. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Articles 2, 4, 23, and 25 “The States Parties … recognize the right to work, which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely chooses…. The States Parties … recognize the right of everyone to … just and favourable conditions of work which ensure … fair wages and equal remuneration for work of equal value without distinction of any kind…; a decent living …; safe and healthy working conditions…. States Parties … recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family….”. The United National standard rule on equalization of opportunities for PWDs (1991) argues all nations to show strong commitment on equalization of opportunities for PWDs.
The problem is compounded by the failure of the Uganda government to formulate policies pertaining to IGAs of PWDs. PWDs are not treated as specific group instead they are bundled with the very young and the very old and treated as one category of inactive population (MFPED, 2000). In the recent past, PWDs have been though of as non productive and considered more of beggars than people who can lead independent lives. The majority of PWDs live in poor families and are thus exposed to malnutrition and unhealthy, poor living conditions both at home and in the community at large.
The World Disability report (1999) emphasized a simple truth that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights as highlighted in the first article of the Universal Declaration of human rights of 1948 which are the supreme political and moral code for all of us who share this planet. Presently, Uganda is empowering PWDs politically, socially and economically. Many systems have been put in place to cater for the rehabilitation and habilitation of PWDs. However, the rehabilitation of PWDs has ragging behind partly due to the general belief that they are the most difficult people to work with as compared to their counterparts. It is estimated to have 3,346,900 people with disabilities (Population and Housing census, 2002. Of these 28% were physically impaired, 27% visually impaired, 20% hearing impaired, 8% intellectually impaired, 4% multiply impaired, and 13% suffering from other impairments. Uganda is ranked 162nd out of 177 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index
To eradicate unemployment, Uganda requires creating 600,000 jobs every year yet the current investments generate only 2000 jobs every year. There is therefore need for awareness and build an adequate understanding of issues by the government to enhance employment opportunities through entrepreneurship skills development, increased investments in industries; curriculum also has to be invested to emphasize knowledge base (Commonwealth Youth Forum, (CYF), 2007).
The people in Bushenyi Ishaka municipality, Bushenyi district wallow in abject poverty manifested in the grass thatched hats in homes and schools. Residents wear rags and over 67% of the people live on less than a dollar a day. The most affected are people with disabilities. (Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), 2011). Thus, the study seeks to examine the factors contributing to unemployment among people with disabilities in Bushenyi Ishaka municipality.
1.2 Statement of the problem
The people with disabilities are universally recognized as an important part of any society. To this end, both global and local programs as well as institutions have focused efforts upon the people with disabilities. For example, the United Nations has set aside every twelfth day of August of every year as an International People with disabilities Day. This was all intended to mobilize local and international attention towards the people with disabilities and the problems they face particularly unemployment. In Uganda, the National People with disabilities Council which has a full secretariat both from the National level (Parliament) to the village level, clearly spells out that people with disabilities be represented at all levels of decision making. In Bushenyio Ishaka, people with disabilities are also represented by their councilors and also assisted by several technical people such as LCs and other civil servants such as RDCs, a fully elected Member of Parliament, among others. Sadly, in spite of all these efforts, there is very little evidence on ground to show that people with disabilities have been empowered although many have attained tertiary education. The rate of unemployment is alarming. Not many studies have been undertaken to establish the causes, effects as well as solutions to such high unemployment rate.
1.3 Purpose of the study
The purpose of the study is to find out the causes of people with disabilities unemployment in Bushenyi Ishaka municipality, Bushenyi district.
1.4 Objectives of the study
The study will be guided by the following objectives;
- i) To identify the causes of unemployment among people with disabilities.
- ii) To find out the effects of unemployment among the people with disabilities in the area.
- iii) To propose solutions towards people with disabilities unemployment.
1.5 Research questions
- i) What are the causes of unemployment among people with disabilities?
- ii) What are the effects of unemployment among people with disabilities in the area?
- iii) What suggestions are in place to eradicate unemployment among people with disabilities?
1.6 Scope of the study
The study will be carried out in Bushenyi Ishaka municipality, Bushenyi district mainly around public areas such as markets, football grounds and streets. It also worked hand in hand with various people among these were; people with disabilities, elders, community civil servants L.Cs among others. The study will be carried out between the month of July and August 2017. It will also utilize ideas from other researchers and or authors concerning the causes, effects as well as possible solutions to unemployment among people with disabilities.
1.7 Significance of the study
The findings of this study are expected to;
Help the government realize the importance of making policies that are favorable so as to increase people with disabilities employment opportunities as well as participation.
Sensitize local authorities and other stakeholders on the importance of considering people with disabilities key to the success of any development initiative.
Awaken the people with disabilities on the dangers of unemployment
1.8 Limitation and delimitation of the study
The researcher further will be faced with a problem of some respondents not providing information for the study as information relating to the study variables, however to this, researcher will be explained to respondents that the information will only be for the academic purpose while making them to understand the study variables.
The study is limited to a representative sample due to high expenses that are involved in terms of time and funds since this research is self-funded. However, the researcher will strive to solicit for funds from family members and friends.
This unrealistic expectation from the respondents is also another problem the researcher will face. It is argued that very many people will expect too much thing from researcher for example money etc, yet the researcher is totally student who does not have money. The researcher will convince the respondents that the information required will be used for academic purposes only.
METHODOLOGY
2.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the research design, area of the study, study population, sample size, sample techniques, the data collection instruments, the procedures of data collection, ethical considerations, and data analysis.
2.1 Project Design
A project design refers to the overall strategy that one choose to integrate the different components of the study in a coherent and logical way; thereby, ensuring that the researcher that it effectively addressed the research problem. It constitutes the blue print for the collection, measurement and analysis of data (Mugenda, 1999). According to Baron (2011), qualitative research design helps to capture qualitative data, based on qualitative aspects that cannot be quantified. It aids in discovering the motives and desires or what people think and how they feel about a given subject or situation. A cross sectional survey research design, combined with qualitative methods was used for this study. This method involves an unstructured approach to inquiry and allows flexibility in all aspects of the research process. It is more appropriate to explore the nature of a problem, issue or phenomenon without quantifying it. Its main objective is to describe the variation in a phenomenon, situation or attitude like description of an observed situation, or opinions (Mubazi, 2008).
2.2 Area of study
The study was carried out in Bushenyi Ishaka municipality, Bushenyi district-western part of Uganda. has two rainy seasons of march – May and September – November. The main economic activity is agriculture (both crop and livestock farming). The selection of the area of study is based on the poverty levels of people in the sub county.
2.3 Population of the Study
According to Baron, (2011), this constitutes people-individuals, organizations, groups, communities or other units that provide information or to collect information about for the study. This included PWDs, local leaders and community officers.
2.4 Sample and Sampling Technique
2.4.1 Sample
The sample refers to subset of people, items or events selected from the universe or population for study purposes, (Baron, 2011). The study used a total of 20 respondents to provide a manageable volume of data and allow the researcher to make accurate estimates of thoughts and behavior of a larger population.
Table 3.1. Showing Sample of the study
| Respondent | No. of respondents |
| PWDs | 15 |
| Local leaders | 4 |
| CDO | 1 |
| Total | 20 |
PWDs was selected because they know the challenges they face in as PWDs, Local leaders, CDO was chosen because they are assumed to have broader knowledge of the study area and also they are the implementer of government programs hence valuable information for the study is needed from them.
2.4.2 Sampling Technique
According to Baron (2011), this is a definite plan determined before data collection for obtaining a sample from a given population. It involves three decisions: who to be sampled, how many people to sample, and how to obtain the sample. Purposive sampling technique was used to select key informants because they are deemed to be knowledgeable about the phenomenon under investigation.
2.5 Data Collection Methods
The interview method is a conversation where questions are asked and answers are given (Robson, 1993). Cohon and Manioh (1989) further qualify interview to be a conservation initiated by the interviewer for specific purpose of obtaining research relevant information and focuses on content specified by research objectives of specific description. A semi-structured interview guide was used for the in-depth interviews with people with disabilities and Parents, local leaders, CBR and community workers. The semi-structured interview guide was developed based on the objectives. They were designed in English language. It was used because it promotes greater depth of response which is not possible through other means and it allows the researcher to get information concerning feelings, attitudes in relation to research questions. However, some interviewees may not respond freely, frankly and accurately.
2.6 Procedures of Data Collection
The researcher ensured the approval of the research proposal and instruments especially the interview guide to test their effectiveness in carrying out the study, got a letter of introduction from the head of department for introducing him to the area of study, prepared other letters to individual respondents requesting their willingness to participate in the study, presented himself to the area of the study and giving respondents their consent letters, actual data collection on arrival to the area, the researcher arranged with the local leader and explained his visit and carried on with his interviews with each interview lasting between ten to 20 minutes.
3.0. PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS
This chapter mainly deals with presentation, discussion and analysis of findings from the study entitled causes, effects and solutions of unemployment among PWDs.
3.1 Demographic characteristics of the respondents
From findings more males than females were involved in the study at a percentage of 62% whereas females formed only 38%. There were more male respondents in the study than females because most of the female respondents were active in other tasks, most especially at the market areas, selling small items such as tomatoes and at home doing domestic chores. The male respondents were found either idle or gambling.
Findings also indicates that only 12% of the respondents were within the age group of 10-17.Of these, 4% were males and 8% were females.18-30 had the responses of 64% where 40% were males and 24% females. Those in the age group of 30-40 were 24% where 16% were males and 8% were females. The age group of 18-30 had majority response because it was the idlest age group and it was easy to access them for information.
Study findings also indicates that majority of the respondents were single (56%). Of these 34% were males and 22% were females. 42% of the respondents were married, where 28% were males and 14% females. In this case, males constituted the biggest category of the married. Only 2% of the respondents were divorced.
3.2 Findings on understanding of unemployment
| Unemployment | Frequencies | Percentages |
| Being jobless | 14 | 28 |
| Lacking what to do in return of payment | 5 | 10 |
| Without a profitable activity | 11 | 22 |
| Personal or family needs cannot be obtained | 1 | 2 |
| Willing to work but jobs not available | 2 | 4 |
| Not sure | 17 | 34 |
The above table indicates that most of the respondents understood unemployment as a state of being jobless and they formed a percentage of 28%. Those who understood unemployment as lacking what to do in return of payment were 10%.
Some respondents also understood unemployment as a situation where one cannot cater for his or her personal or family needs and these were 2%. Whereas some understood it as a situation where one is willing to work but jobs not available and these were 4%.
Some respondents also argued that unemployment referred to under taking a non profitable activity and these were 22%
3.3 The main Causes of unemployment among PWDs
The majority of the respondents sighted low levels of education as a cause of PWDs unemployment (22%) Of these, 16% were males and 6% were females.
Lack of adequate skills was also sighted as the major cause of PWDs unemployment and had responses of 40% where 16% were males and 24% females.
There were also responses on job selectivity as another cause of PWDs unemployment where about 4% were males and there were no female responses making up a total percentage of 4%.
Some respondents (8%) also blamed unemployment on bad government policies. Of these, 6% were males and 2% were females. Of the respondents who were questioned, the majority blamed it on the heavy taxes imposed on goods and services, license fees which stopped very many of them from working or running small enterprises in order to come out of the problem of unemployment
The respondents also claim unemployment to be due to the limited job opportunities (16%) of these, 12% were males and 4% were females.
Some respondents (10%) also blamed unemployment to be due to limited access to resources. Of these, 6%were males while females formed 4%.
3.4 The main effects of unemployment among PWDs
The main effect of PWDs unemployment from the study was limited basic needs. This was singled out by 26% of the respondents where 16% were males and 10% were females.
Respondents also singled out poor standards of living as another major effect and the responses were 16% where 12% were males and females were only 4%.
Respondents also blamed unemployment for the increasing crimes that ravage the community where responses were 12%.Of these, 10% were males and females also made up only 2%.
Eight percent of the respondents also argued that due to unemployment, access to basic services such as education, medical care among others tend to be difficult as they have no any access to finances. Of these, 2% were males and 6% were females.
Some respondents (10%) also argued that high dependency rates are as a result of unemployment where 8% were males whereas females made a percentage of only 2.
Some respondents also blamed unemployment for the limited or no access to resources and these were about 10% where 6% were males and 4% females.
3.5 The main strategies for addressing unemployment among PWDs
Of the 14% respondents, (8% males and 6% females) argued that if the government put all her efforts like job creation, job security, provision of education among others, the PWDs unemployment problem in the area would be reduced
Sixty two percent (36% males and 26% females) of the respondents suggested that there should be creation of vocational training institutions where PWDs can go and acquire skills in various areas ranging from entrepreneurship, professional skills in farming, carpentry, metal work among others.
Twenty percent of the respondents argued that they should be provided with credits in form of startup capital to begin their enterprises. Of these, 16% were males and only 4% were females.
Four percent of the respondents demanded easier access to resources such as land. All these were males.
4.0. Conclusion
On the completion of the study, the researcher realized that low levels of education, lack of adequate skills, bad government policies and limited job opportunities were the major causes of PWDs unemployment. This was according to the findings after the study.
The main effects were; limited basic needs, poor standards of living, high crime rate, limited basic services, high dependency and no access to resource. The main solutions included; government commitment, vocational training credit provision and ease access to resource.
The study concluded that most of the respondents have ever gone to school and very few who never had education but a big proportion of them were all affected by unemployment problem because of their job selectivity.
5.0 Recommendations
Following the conclusions drawn from the study, the researcher makes the following recommendations:
The government should increase social services in education so that each and every one in the village gets access to education. This will assist many people to become literate and acquire knowledge and skills of starting their own gainful activities.
Stakeholders should establish vocational training institutions where the PWDs can acquire skills in various activities such as carpentry, brick making, and entrepreneurial skills among others.
PWDs must be sensitized to be willing to take on any lawful economic activity so long as it is profitable.
The government should review its policies with a view to making them PWDs-employment friendly
Government should reform education curricula in both secondary and vocational schools to emphasize income generating activities through entrepreneurial skills development, increased investment in industries as well as curriculum to be invested in to emphasize knowledge base.
The government, NGOs and other stakeholders should intervene and access basic services to people at ease. These should include education, medical care among others.
The government should also establish micro-finance institutions in every community where people can go and acquire credit in form of startup capital for their own small businesses.
