THE EFFECT OF SUGARCANE GROWING ON PEOPLE’S WELFARE: 

A CASE STUDY OF SUGAR CORPORATION OF UGANDA LIMITED, 

LUGAZI TOWN – BUIKWE DISTRICT

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out at Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL) with the purpose of assessing the effect of sugarcane growing on people’s welfare. The specific objectives of the study were; to investigate the effect of sugarcane growing on the people’s income, to determine the effect of sugarcane growing on food security of people and to assess the effect of sugarcane growing on the health and sanitation in Lugazi town, Buikwe district.

The study adopted a descriptive research design where both qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection were adopted. The researcher used questionnaire and interview method to collect data from 50 respondents using purposive sampling. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inform of frequencies and percentages. 

The study found out that 33(66%) revealed that household income has increased, 35(70%) agree with households are able to pay school fees for their children, 50(100%) observed that sugarcane growing has enabled people construct decent houses while 17(34%) of the respondents revealed that sugarcane factories pay people low wages and 39(78%) agreed with income from food production and other non-farm sources has improved since you began growing sugarcane. It was observed that 33(66%) agreed with the plantation has affected the growth of food crops since it covers the whole land, 33(66%) indicated that people lack food because much attention has been put on sugarcane farming. Results showed that (35)70% agree with there is better access to health facilities as a result of better road infrastructure while 50(100%) indicated that smoke from the factory is nuisance leading to diseases such as lung cancer and bronchitis and 40(80%) said wastes from the factory affect the soil fertility and contaminates water.

Sugarcane farming has had a great impact on community welfare in Lugazi town. More income attributed to proceeds from the sugar industry has been pumped into the local economy especially in terms of better roads and building infrastructure.  However, there are threats to food security in most sugar cane growing areas since most farmers lease their land for sugarcane. 

It was recommended that there is the government should look at subsidising further seed cane and fertilizer in order to ensure that farmers are not embroiled in constant debt. Also, sugarcane factories should also institute an environmental management plan in their company policy to ensure the environment is not degraded further by sugarcane farming.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, general and specific objectives of the study, research questions as well as the scope and significance of the study.

1.1 Background to the study

Agricultural sector plays an important role in the economy of a county. This sector has been developed with the aim of attaining economic growth, assuring equity in such growth and stability of farm incomes as well as a wider participation by small scale farmers and large scale farmers in cash crop production and meeting the country’s domestic food requirements (Chebei, 2013)

Maloa (2001) stated that the sugar industry is attaining new dimensions in the fast changing world. An estimated total of about 45 million sugarcane farmers, their dependents and a large mass of agricultural laborers are involved in sugar cane cultivation, harvesting and ancillary activities, and constituting 7.5% of the rural population. In developing countries, the sugar industry has been reported to be the focal point for socio-economic development in the rural areas by mobilizing rural resources, generating employment and higher income, and developing transport and communication facilities.

According to Richardson (2010) around $3bn has been earmarked for investment in the sugar cane industries of some of southern Africa’s poorest countries in the last decade. However, Greenwood (2010) argued that due to the changes in global market environment particularly for sugar, sugar along with oil, diamonds, cocoa and coltan are commodities produced in Africa that could prove more of a burden than a blessing to the continent.

According to Kyala (2013), the sugar industry’s focus on producing a high quality, profitable and cost effective product is complemented by its focus on sustainable development. Since the industry is a major contributor to rural development, an area often neglected in an urbanizing society, therefore, this holistic approach will promote economic transformation, social investment and sustainable environmental practices.

McCarthy (2007), states that the sugar industry directly accounts for 10.9% of all agricultural employment and 1.3% of national employment. After considering the sugar industry’s many linkages, direct and indirect employment amounts to 2.5% of national employment. According to Bates and Sokhela (2003), the sugar industry also has a long history in promoting and supporting cane production by small scale growers in communal areas.

Uganda as a country has six established sugar manufactures namely; Kakira Sugar Ltd in Jinja District producing almost 50%of all the sugar and based in Busoga region, Lugazi Sugar Works, Sugar Corporation of Uganda, Sango Bay Ltd, Mayuge Sugar Industries in Mayuge District in Busoga Region and Sugar Allied Industries Ltd in Kaliro District again based in Busoga Region. Lugazi is a town in the Buikwe District of the Central Region of Uganda. The town is also called “Kawolo”, and the two names are interchangeably used by the local inhabitants (Kyala, 2013).

Using Registered farmers of Lugazi Sugar Ltd, out of 6,954 registered farmers4,607 farmers are small scale farmers having less than 2.5 acres (1 Hectare) of sugarcane and out of 9,517 registered blocks at the start of this investigation, 8431 blocks were subsistence that is on less than 2.5 acres of land (less than 1 Hectare as stipulated by the company regulations and guidelines) almost all small scale farmers visited had used all the household land available to their families for sugarcane growing. This implies that there are many people in Lugazi that are engaged in sugarcane growing (Kyala, 2013). Therefore the study sought to assess the contribution of sugarcane growing on the welfare of people in Buikwe district.

1.2 Problem Statement

The sugar sub-sector plays an important role in the country’s economy. It generates an estimated shs12 billion annually, provides about 500,000 jobs and supports livelihood of about six million people (Faith, 2013). Most farmers engage in sugarcane farming to raise income for the education of their children, acquisition of additional property, notably, land and construction of decent family shelters (Waswa et al., 2012); there are threats to food security in most sugar cane growing areas since most farmers lease their land for sugarcane. However statistics and observation indicate that poverty in this region remains prevalent witnessed by poor housing facilities, poor feeding, poor health facilities and low incomes among others (Kyala, 2013). Therefore, the study sought to assess the effect of sugarcane growing on people’s welfare. 

1.3 Objectives of the study

1.3.1 General objective  

The study aimed to assess the effect of sugarcane growing on people’s welfare. A case study of Sugar Corporation of Uganda Ltd, Lugazi town, Buikwe district.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To investigate the effect of sugarcane growing on the people’s income in Lugazi town, Buikwe district.
2. To determine the effect of sugarcane growing on food security of people in Lugazi town, Buikwe district.
3. To assess the effect of sugarcane growing on the health and sanitation in Lugazi town, Buikwe district.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of sugarcane growing on the people’s income in Lugazi town, Buikwe district?
2. What is the effect of sugarcane growing on food security of people in Lugazi town, Buikwe district?
3. What is the effect of sugarcane growing on the health and sanitation in Lugazi town, Buikwe district?

1.5 Scope of the study

The study assessed the effect of sugarcane growing on people’s welfare. The study was carried out at Sugar Corporation of Uganda Ltd. (SCOUL) located in the town of Lugazi, approximately 48 kilometres, by road, East of Kampala. The study was carried out basing on information collected for a period of 10years that is to say from 2007 to 2016.

1.6 Significance of the study

The results of this study may be used by relevant institutions and stakeholders in the sugarcane industry as a basis for capacity building and education on the effects of practicing sugarcane monoculture so that it does not conflict with efforts to conserve natural resources while maintaining a steady development.

To policy makers, the findings will guide them on where to make appropriate decisions to improve the welfare of people in the sugar industry. Policies made will help sugarcane growers to balance sugarcane growing and the growing other crops especially food crops; this would reduce on the food insecurity in the area.

Hopefully, this study will set a platform for coming up with policies that favour farmers at the expense of largely profitable sugar companies and also incorporate natural resource management techniques in areas where there has been a boom in high value cash crops such as sugarcane, tea, rice and coffee to foster sustainable agriculture.

The output obtained from this study may also be used to advice communities on how to attain sustainable livelihoods from such high value cash crops that always tend to take precedence over other crops, especially food crops and substitute economic activities where they are introduced with the promise of maximum benefits accrued, even without relaying the bigger picture to the relevant stakeholders including farmers, Government agencies as well as Non-Governmental Organisations involved in agriculture and natural resource management.

The study will help other researchers carrying out the research on other related problems as references. The study will also propose areas for further research which may be very important to researchers who will easily get to know what needs to be done in the area of study.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter presents related literature and it is presented in themes according to the research objectives.

2.1 Overview of Sugar Cane Growing 

The world demand for sugar is the main driver of sugarcane agriculture, which accounts for 80% of sugar produced. The rest is produced from sugar beets that grow in temperate regions. Brazil has the largest area under sugarcane cultivation in the world, representing one third of global harvested area and production (Fischer et. al., 2009). 

The sugarcane industry is responsible for quite a substantial percentage of the agricultural industry’s GDP in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). South Africa makes the largest contribution to the sugarcane industry, accounting for almost 35% of the region’s total output. SSA relies greatly on its agricultural industry whereby approximately 75% of employment is provided by agriculture. There are 28 countries that produce sugarcane, 11 of which can boast an output capacity of more than 200,000 tonnes (Vermeulen, 2011). The other countries include Mozambique, Mauritius, Cameroon, Swaziland, Peru, Egypt, Senegal, Malawi, Sudan, Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania. 

The composition of the sugar industries in terms of size and scale vary amongst SSA countries. Sugarcane is grown on large estates or by smallholders and subsistence farmers. Large estates (nucleus) generally produce the bulk of sugarcane but smallholders contribute quite substantially in some countries. In Mauritius, approximately 26,000 smallholders contribute roughly 30% of sugarcane supply while in South Africa, 12% is produced by approximately 45,000 small holder farmers and the rest is produced by 1,729 large scale growers (Vermeulen, 2011). In the Kenyan scenario, there are about 250,000 small scale farmers who supply 92% of sugarcane to the sugar millers, while the remainder is supplied by factory-owned nucleus estates (KSI, 2009). 

According to the Kenya Sugar Board, the sugar sub sector generates an estimated Kshs. 12 billion annually, providing about 500,000 jobs and supporting the livelihoods of about 6 million people, directly or indirectly. This translates to about 15% of the country’s GDP with a major impact on the economies of Western Kenya, Nyanza regions and Rift Valley (KSI. 2009). Total sugar production grew from 436,238 tonnes in 1980 to 523,652 tonnes in 2010, while sugar consumption increased from 300,000 tonnes in 1980 to 743,000 tonnes in 2010. Kenya’s sugar deficit (about 200,000 tonnes) is mainly filled through imports of raw sugar from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region (Monroy et al., 2012). This deficit is mainly brought about by sugar mills operating inefficiently and below capacity. 

Between 80,000 and 100,000 tonnes of the imported sugar is used as raw materials in the manufacture of beverages, confectionary, pharmaceuticals and other industrial products (KSB, 2012). Consequently, there is a sense of urgency in making sugarcane farming sustainable so as to try and curb the socio-economic impacts of importation of sugar in the long term.

Cane Sugar growing in Uganda begins with the establishment of sugar plantations at Kakira in 1919 and Lugazi in 1924. Sugar cane grows best in warm, sunny, frost-free weather. It needs fertile, well-drained soil and at least 1,500 millimeters of rain each year or access to irrigation supplies. Sugarcane needs plenty of moisture and protection from weeds. The sugar content of sugar cane varies from one area to another. In Uganda, it is around 9%. The country’s mills therefore have to process 1.11 million tonnes of cane to produce 100,000 tonnes of sugar. Uganda consumes about 320,000 tonnes of raw sugar.

Uganda imported new varieties of Sugarcane from CIRAD in Montpellier, France. So far, 231 varieties have been imported. Furthermore, the East African Sugar industry is collaborating with the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) and the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) to import an additional 500 new sugar cane varieties.

2.2 Effect of sugarcane growing on people’s income

In most of the areas where high value cash crops such as sugarcane, tea, coffee or rice have been introduced, there was a resultant boom, at least in the beginning and this was seen as the answer to poverty in these areas. However, this did not prove to be true in the long term, especially where proper institutional mechanisms were lacking or weak due to the desire to maximize productivity. For instance, in the neighbouring Kisii County, the shift to conventional cash crops, majorly coffee and tea was expected to enhance the District’s food security.

According to the agricultural policy of the colonial administration and that of current thinking, farmers should engage in the cultivation of (export) crops where they enjoy a relative advantage and therefore use their incomes to meet their food needs on the market. It is, however, questionable how far this can be the case, given that world market prices for major commodities have progressively dropped. In Kisii, the fall in coffee prices has put those who invested in the crop in a predicament. The returns are low and given the multiplicity of household needs, these cash incomes cannot cover general subsistence (Omosa, 1998).

Although the initial aim of introducing sugarcane farming in Kenya was to create wealth through provision of income and employment opportunities, statistics and observations indicate that poverty in the sugarcane growing areas remains endemic. (Otieno et al, 2003) As it is, the sugar industry supports the livelihoods of at least 15% of the Kenyan population (KSI, 2008). The sugar industry plays a significant role in Kenya’s economy, contributing about 15 percent to the country’s agricultural GDP (KSI, 2009).

A study by Kipsisei (2011), found out that majority of households that engage in sugarcane growing spend most of their time in doing garden work. Some children in households fail to attend school due to various farm work at home. Other children drop out of school because they earn some money out of sugarcane growing activities.

A research study on sugarcane farmers in the Lake Victoria basin concluded that overall, most farmers engage in sugarcane farming to raise income for the education of their children, acquisition of additional property, notably, land and construction of decent family shelters now that thatching grass has been eliminated through conversion of land to farming. Site specific differences in the benefits are also a reflection of differences in the felt needs, general community cultural orientations and education levels (Waswa et al., 2012).

For instance, many farmers earn their income only to exhaust it on re-payment of debts accrued during the more than 24 months of waiting to harvest the sugarcane. Repayment of debts reduces the farmers’ propensity to buy and/or grow food for their own subsistence, hence the persistent food insecurity and malnutrition. As a result, a cycle of poverty is born that continues on end (Netondo, et al., 2003).

In Chemelil, Lurambi and Koyonzo, on average, farmers retained only 34, 32 and 31% respectively of the gross income from contract sugarcane farming. The study proposes that such skewed sharing of income where the sugar companies retain at least 60% of the gross income raises sustainability concerns that need to be addressed through a participatory approach involving all key stakeholders. Consequently, farmers would be saved from a venture that they put so much into only for the company to benefit much more than they do (Netondo, et al., 2003).

In 1974, the Brazillian government set up an ethanol fuel programme called Proalcool (Pro-Alcohol) from sugarcane. One of the impacts that the programme is thought to have had on rural livelihoods in Pernambuco is the motivation for a new wave of expulsion of sugarcane labourers from the rural areas to the cities. Proalcool led to increased value of the land in sugarcane producing areas, meaning that for plantation and mill owners, it made little sense to dedicate land to housing employees when it could be instead used to produce more sugarcane (Schneider, 2010). This state of affairs is already being witnessed in the study area where the price for hiring farms for contract farming has at least doubled since January 2012 with farmers projecting a boom in the sugar industry. Land owners are also holding out on leasing their farms, preferring to plant sugarcane themselves.

Contract sugarcane farming is a costly business to ordinary farmers due to the deductions the company undertakes, particularly from the main crop. For instance, a deduction by the company for the main crop can cost farmers up to 71% loss in profits (Waswa et al, 2009). This has been the case all round in the sugarcane growing areas with farmers constantly embroiled in debt as the production costs constantly overweigh the proceeds from sugarcane. Farmers are only paid for the raw sugarcane tonnage presented on arrival at the millers’ weighbridges while the millers retain proceeds from all the by – products.

Farmers need to find a way of balancing the inputs vis a vis benefits obtained from sugarcane farming in order to attain sustainable livelihoods. Millers should look into equal distribution of sugarcane by-products such as baggasse and molasses. There’s also need to empower farmers to find alternative sources of income before their cane matures. Empowered farmers have a 25% chance of being food secure (SUCAM, 2002).

2.3 Effect of Sugarcane growing on food security

According to Uganda food security outlook, 2009, 6.3 per cent of households are at any one time food insecure, 21.3 per cent are moderately food insecure, while 72 per cent are considered secure at all times. This means that 6 million Ugandans are moderately food insecure, with more than a million in Karamoja alone, implying that 6 million Ugandans eat less than the recommended 2100 kilocalories daily. Food insecurity is highest in Karamoja (20 per cent), Busoga comes second with 15 per cent and Bududa third with 11 per cent. According to FAO, food security is achieved when “all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”.

The Busoga region has started feeling the pinch of plantation agriculture as a result of mushrooming sugar factories which are luring the local population to hire out their arable land to plant sugar cane. The districts feeling the effects include Jinja, Mayuge, Luuka, Namutumba, Iganga and Kaliro where cases of food insecurity and malnutrition have started to emerge because farmers are hiring out their land at give-away prices. As a result, the farmers do not have alternative land to cultivate other crops since sugar-cane growing does not support inter-cropping while on the other hand; sugar factories are beginning to complain about sugarcane theft by new companies since they do not have their own cane plantations (Waswa et al., 2012). 

According to Mr Jim Kabeho, the chairperson Uganda Sugar Millers’ Association, the manufacturers are raising concerns about new sugar factories which are coming up in the region. Six sugar millers are located within the Jinja, Iganga and Kamuli region overlapping into the territory gazetted for Kakira Suagr Works which is against the national sugar policy. The six factories include Mayuge, Kaliro, Kakira, Luzinda, Seven Hills and GM Sugar works which are close to each other and have impacted negatively on the industry and the local population (Waswa et al., 2012).

2.4 Effect of sugarcane growing on health and sanitation

Despite the geographic diversity of sugar plantations, the procedure for growing and harvesting sugarcane throughout the world is rather uniform. First, the stalks grow for about two years, or until they reach a mature height around eight feet. The fields must be kept well irrigated throughout the maturation period, as sugarcane is an exceptionally water-intensive crop (Betteridge, 2000). Just prior to harvesting the sugarcane, the fields are burned to remove any leaves, waste, or excess foliage surrounding the stalks. The cane is burned by either allowing a fire to progress freely throughout the field or by incinerating stalks row-by-row with a flamethrower. Then, the stalks are immediately cut and transported to mill for processing. Reducing the time between burn and harvest is critical because after the stalk is burned, sucrose compounds within the sugarcane begin to form alcohols that cannot be used for sugar production (Semenzato et al., 1995). Upon arrival at the mill, cane stalks are washed, cut, and juiced to extract the sugar syrup. Remaining fiber from the stalks, referred to as bagasse, can be used as biofuel or livestock feed. At the HC&S mill, bagasse is burned to produce energy that fuels the factory’s boilers and other processing equipment (Betteridge, 2000). Finally, the sugarcane syrup is boiled so that the water evaporates and crystalline, raw sugar remains.

Nine months out the year, residents around sugar plantations witness frequent plumes of smoke rising from the sugarcane fields as they are prepared for harvest. Burning sugarcane prior to harvesting has been scientifically correlated with negative impacts on human health, and could threaten the wellbeing of the community (Wiedenfeld, 2009). 

In a 2014 study funded by Brazil’s National Council of Technological and Scientific Development, 28 sugarcane field workers that were otherwise healthy had blood and urine samples taken daily to measure kidney function during the burn and non-burn seasons. These workers were not smokers, nor did any of them have a history of chronic disease. In the pre-harvest season, when the workers were doing unspecified tasks that did not involve exposure to burnt sugarcane, the analysis of blood and urine samples taken at the beginning and the end of the workday showed healthy, normal renal functioning. However, in the harvest season, when the workers were constantly exposed to smoke and ash from burnt sugarcane, blood and urine samples from the subjects showed a 20% decrease in the rate of renal filtration that caused an increased in blood-level creatinine, a marker of acute renal strain or failure (Santos et al., 2014). The exposure to burnt sugarcane corresponded with kidneys not properly functioning, and higher levels of toxins in the blood as a consequence.

Another Brazilian study carried out by researchers at the University of São Paulo similarly found a detrimental correlation between sugarcane burning and the surrounding community’s health. Healthy sugarcane workers and volunteers from the towns surrounding various sugarcane plantations were examined throughout both burn and non-burn seasons. A quantitative analysis of the frequency of symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, coughing with sputum (a mixture of saliva and mucus), and breathlessness revealed a significant increase in such symptoms during the burn period (Prado t al., 2012). For example, reports of coughing fits from both residents and workers tripled during the harvest season. 

Additionally, results from blood-marker and lung function tests revealed a decrease in beneficial antioxidants and diminished lung functioning during the eight-month burn period. These ailments contribute to a condition known as oxidative stress, a state where the lungs cannot efficiently deliver oxygen to the blood (Betteridge, 2000).

The study also acknowledges that these symptoms are probably multi-factorial and cannot be entirely blamed on the air pollutants from sugarcane burning; therefore, more research is needed to determine a definitive causation (Sowa et al., 2014).

Another study performed on Maui in the summer of 2013 focused on the effects of the herbicide used in fields, Diuron, on coral health. Water samples were taken at various sites and depths before, during, and after a period of heavy rainfall. The runoff samples taken after the rainfall had concentrations of Diuron exceeding 3 parts per billion, a concentration proven lethal to corals by a previous Australian study. Because the study was relatively brief, lasting about three months, the results could not cite Diuron as an absolute cause for coral depletion (Royer, 2014).

2.5 Conclusion

Sugarcane farming is done to raise income for the education of children, acquisition of additional property, notably, land and construction of decent family shelters. However, sugar cane growing affects the neighbouring communities negatively due to the consequences of cane burning. This chapter has reviewed the effect of sugarcane growing on people’s income, food security and health and sanitation of people in the surrounding areas.

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter discusses the research design, data type and sources, simple size and selection, data collection tools/methods, data presentation and analysis, data collection procedure and limitation of the study.

3.1 Research Design

A descriptive in nature research design was used where both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were adopted. Descriptive research design was used because it is effective to analyse non-quantified topics and issues, the possibility to observe the phenomenon in a completely natural and unchanged natural environment and the opportunity to integrate the qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection which other designs do not provide.

3.2 Sample Size, Selection and Procedure

The study covered a sample size of 50 respondents which was determined using Sounders Lewis and Thornhill method of sample size determination by the formula given by;

n= {(Zß/2)2 PQ}/U2;

Where Zß/2   = the standard normal value

n = the sample size,

P = the estimated population proportion,

Q = 1-P and

U = the maximum allowable error.

Taking Zß/2 =0.025 as 1.96 at 95% confidence level, assuming that,

P=80% and Q=1-80% =20%

U=10% and Zß/2 =0.025 =1.96

Then from n= {(Zß/2)2 PQ}/U2;

n= {(1.96)2 *0.8*0.2}/(0.1)2;

n=50.070784

This gave the researcher a sample of approximately 50 respondents

The study used purposive sampling method. Purposive sampling is one of the most cost-effective and time-effective sampling methods available, it may be the only appropriate method available if there are only limited number of primary data sources who can contribute to the study and this sampling technique can be effective in exploring anthropological situations where the discovery of meaning can benefit from an intuitive approach.

The study also used simple random method to reduce on the biasness of the purposive data because it is free of classification error, and it requires minimum advance knowledge of the population other than the frame. Its simplicity also makes it relatively easy to interpret data collected in this manner. For these reasons, simple random sampling best suits situations where not much information is available about the population and data collection can be efficiently conducted on randomly distributed items, or where the cost of sampling is small enough to make efficiency less important than simplicity.

3.3 Data collection methods and procedures

The study involved questionnaires and interview method.

This research instrument used included structured questionnaires with pre-coded answers administered to the respondents. The questionnaire was used because it is practical, also large amounts of information can be collected from a large number of people in a short period of time and in a relatively cost effective way, can be carried out by the researcher or by any number of people with limited affect to its validity and reliability, the results of the questionnaires can usually be quickly and easily quantified by either a researcher or through the use of a software package, can be analysed more ‘scientifically’ and objectively than other forms of research, when data has been quantified, it can be used to compare and contrast other research and may be used to measure change.

Interview guide was also used by the study since the methods help in the collection of more data as it allows the interaction of both the researcher and the respondents. The interview method was used because any misunderstanding and mistake can be rectified easily in an interview, it increases mutual understanding and co-operation between the parties and suitable candidates can be selected through interview because the interview can know a lot about the candidate by this process. Interview can help to collect the fresh, new and primary information as needed.

3.4 Data management, presentation and analysis

Data collected was compiled, sorted, classified, coded and carefully entered into the computer for analysis purposes using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, which includes frequencies and percentages. The qualitative data was analyzed in the content analysis and the analyzed data is presented using tables and figures in form of a report.

3.5 Limitations and delimitations of the study

The research requires a lot of time towards researching and thus less time for other course units. The researcher drafted a time table which was strictly followed.

The researcher faced a problem of exaggeration of events by the respondents. However this was solved by making check backs where necessary.

The researcher further was faced with a problem of some respondents not providing information due to fear, however to overcome this, the researcher explained to respondents that the information was only for the academic purpose and the information provided was confidential.

Another limitation was the scarcity of recent literature due to lack of text books in the library. However, the researcher sourced information from the internet, newspapers and previous reports.

CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSIONS OF FINDINGS

4.0 Introduction

This chapter presents findings on the effect of sugarcane growing on people’s welfare. A case study of Sugar Corporation of Uganda Ltd, Lugazi town, Buikwe district. The presentation was organized in sections following the research objectives.

4.1 Bio-Data Information of Respondents

To complete the study, it was needed to explore the demographic information of respondents that included; gender, age, education level of respondents and size of household. The results are presented below;

4.1.1: Distribution of Respondents by Sex

Figure 4.1.1: Distribution of Respondents by Sex

Source: Primary Data (2017)

From the figure above, male respondents formed the highest percentage 35(70%) compared to the female with only (15)30%. Males were found to be more active in participation which explains their highest number. 

4.1.2. Age of Respondents

Table 4.1.2: Age of Respondents

Source: Primary Data (2017)

The majority 21(42%) of the respondents were above 25years. A significant percentage 13(26%) of the respondents was between 23 and 25years. While (12)24% of the respondents were in the age bracket of 20 and 22years and only (4)8% of the respondents were 18-19years.

4.1.3: Level of Education 

Figure 4.1.3: Level of Education

Source: Primary Data (2017)

The figure above shows that most of the respondents 24(48%) were of tertiary level, 15(30%) of the respondents had reached secondary level and only 11(22%) of the study respondents had attained primary level of education.

4.1.4: Size of the household 

Table 4.1.4: Size of the household

Source: Primary Data (2017)

According to the table above, majority of the study respondents 36(72%) had a household size of 5 and above members, 10(20%) of them had 3-4 members in their household and only 4(8%) of the respondents had a size of 1-2 members in the household.

4.2 Effect of sugarcane growing on the people’s income in Lugazi town, Buikwe district

The first objective of the study sought to assess the effect of sugarcane growing on the people’s income. Respondents were asked various questions and the following responses in table 4.2.1 were obtained;

Table 4.2.1: Effect of sugarcane growing on the people’s income in Lugazi town, Buikwe district

Source: Primary data (2017)

Study findings as indicated in table above reveal that 21(42%) of the respondents agreed with household income has increased leading to better standard of living, (12)24% of them strongly agreed compared to (5)10% of the respondents who disagree and another (5)10% of them that strongly disagree, though (7)14% of the respondents were not sure. This finding is in agreement with Otieno et al, (2003) who argued the sugar industry supports the livelihoods of at least 15% of the population. The sugar industry plays a significant role in contributing about 15 percent to the agricultural GDP of sugarcane growing countries.

Results show that majority of the respondents 25(50%) strongly agree with households are able to pay school fees for their children, (15)30% of them disagree, (10)20% of the respondents agree. This agrees with Kipsisei (2011) who found out that majority of households that engage in sugarcane growing are now able to pay school requirements due to the disposable incomes obtained from sugarcane farming.

Table shows that (27)54% of the study respondents strongly agree with sugarcane growing has enabled people construct decent houses while (23)46% of the respondents agree. None of the respondents were not sure, disagreed or strongly disagreed. This agrees with Waswa et al. (2012) who stated that people are engaged in sugarcane farming notably to construct decent family shelters.

Findings in table above indicated that the sugarcane factories pay people low wages with 13(26%) of respondents agreeing and (5)10% of them strongly agreeing although at a lower rate since (20)40% of the respondents were not sure, (7)14% of them disagreed though non strongly disagreed. This agrees with Waswa et al. (2012) who stated that sugarcane farmers engage in sugarcane farming to raise income for the education of their children.

Table above shows that (24)48% of the study respondents strongly agreed with income from food production and other non-farm sources has improved since you began growing sugarcane, (15)30% of them agreed, while (8)16% of the respondents were not sure, only (3)6% of the respondents disagreed and no respondent strongly disagreed. Study findings agree with Royer et al (2014) who found out that farmers derive direct revenue from harvested cane while indirect revenue comes from opportunities created by the sugarcane industry such as business investments mostly in the form of retail and wholesale shops, transport services (both motorbikes and motor vehicles) and reinvestment if the food crop industry. 

4.3 The effect of sugarcane growing on food security of people in Lugazi town, Buikwe district

The second objective of the study sought to assess the effect of sugarcane growing on food security of people in Lugazi town, Buikwe district. Results obtained are presented in table 4.3.1 below;

Table 4.3.1: The effect of sugarcane growing on food security of people in Lugazi town, Buikwe district

Source: Primary data (2017)

From the table above, (25)50% of the study respondents strongly agreed with the plantation has affected the growth of food crops since it covers the whole land, (16)32% of them were not sure, none of the respondents strongly disagreed while (5)10% of the respondents strongly disagreed, 8% of them agreed. This finding is in line with Royer et al (2014) whose study found out that pressure on land resources has also led to inadequate food to feed households all year round. This has been further exacerbated by population pressure which had led to land segregation which automatically means additional competition for resources such as land and water. 

Table above also shows that (16)32% of the study respondents strongly agreed with people lack food because much attention has been put on sugarcane farming, (15)30% of them were not sure, while (8)16% of the respondents agreed, only (9)18% of the respondents disagreed and no respondent strongly disagreed. The findings concur with Omosa, (1998) whose study found that a majority of the respondents (40%) did not have enough food from their farms to feed their households all year round indicated limited farmlands as the reason.

The table above indicates that 40(80%) of the study respondents of the respondents strongly agreeing and the 10(20%) agreeing with there is competition between land set aside for sugarcane and land for other crops. Study findings do not agree with Waswa et al (2012) who stated that farmers do not have alternative land to cultivate other crops since sugar-cane growing does not support inter-cropping while on the other hand; sugar factories are beginning to complain about sugarcane theft by new companies since they do not have their own cane plantations.

4.4. The effect of sugarcane growing on health and sanitation in Lugazi town, Buikwe district.

The third objective of the study sought to assess the effect of sugarcane growing on health and sanitation. The results obtained are presented in table 4.4.1 below;

Table 4.4.1: Effect of sugarcane growing on health and sanitation in Lugazi town, Buikwe district

Source: Primary data (2017)

The table above shows that, (35)70% of the respondents strongly agree with there is better access to health facilities as a result of better road infrastructure while (15)30% of them strongly disagree. None of the respondents were not sure, disagreed or strongly disagreed. This finding is in line with Santos et al (2014) who found out that roads have been constructed in areas where sugar factories are found; this enables dwellers to have better access to schools, hospitals and other major infrastructures that exist in communities.

The table indicates that majority of the study respondents 31(62%) agreed with smoke from the factory is nuisance leading to diseases such as lung cancer and bronchitis while the remaining 19(38%) strongly agreed. However, no respondent disagreed, was not sure or strongly disagreed. This is in agreement with Kalani (2013) whose study found out that black cloud cover the air for day emanating from the factory which turns out to be from burning of wastes.

Study findings revealed (30)60% of responses strongly agreeing with Wastes from the factory affect the soil fertility and contaminates water, (10)20% 0f them agreed, (5)10% of the respondents however was not sure. The remaining (3)6% of the respondents strongly agreed and only (2)4% of the study respondents disagreed. This agrees with Wiedenfeld (2009) whose study found out that there have been reports of serious negative health impacts as the sugarcane factories do not treats all its wastes before release. This affects the health of people around as water is contaminated and the waste released enters the soil thus affecting soil fertility as a result of the chemicals.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction

This chapter presents a summary of the study findings, conclusion(s) drawn, recommendations, and areas for further research basing on study findings. 

5.1 Summary of study findings

The study found out that sugarcane growing has affected people’s income for instance 33(66%) of the respondents revealed that household income has increased, 35(70%) agree with households are able to pay school fees for their children, 50(100%) of the respondents said that sugarcane growing has enabled people construct decent houses while 17(34%) of the respondents revealed that sugarcane factories pay people low wages and 39(78%) agreed with income from food production and other non-farm sources has improved since you began growing sugarcane.

Study findings found out that 33(66%) of the respondents strongly agreed with the plantation has affected the growth of food crops since it covers the whole land, 33(66%) indicated that people lack food because much attention has been put on sugarcane farming and 50(100%) of the study respondents observed that there is competition between land set aside for sugarcane and land for other crops. 

Results showed that (35)70% of the respondents strongly agree with there is better access to health facilities as a result of better road infrastructure while 50(100%) of the study respondents indicated that smoke from the factory is nuisance leading to diseases such as lung cancer and bronchitis and 40(80%) of the study respondents said wastes from the factory affect the soil fertility and contaminates water.

5.2 Conclusion

Sugarcane farming has had a great impact on community welfare in Lugazi town, Buikwe district. More income attributed to proceeds from the sugar industry has been pumped into the local economy. This has seen gradual urbanisation of the sugar belt especially in terms of better roads and building infrastructure. There is stability in the industry, mainly attributed to the fact that farmers engage in alternative income generating activities as their sugarcane matures. Resultant threats to food security associated with sugarcane farming has not manifested in Lugazi as most farmers lease land for sugarcane while growing food crops on their farms and the population have enough food from their farms to feed their families all year-round with few having to buy from the market once their farms run out of produce and majority of the farmers are aware of the potential health effects of sugarcane farming. 

5.3 Recommendations

There is need to encourage farmers to grow keep growing food crops as they await their sugarcane to mature so as they do not end up food insecure. 

Government agencies should take up an active role in sugarcane farming so as to enable farmers to make informed decisions before delving into sugarcane farming. This would aid in curbing environmental issues such as deforestation, water, and air and soil pollution. 

Since sugarcane cannot be intercropped at an advanced stage, farmers need to be educated on environmental conservation measures that compliment sugarcane farming. 

SCOUL should also institute an environmental management plan in their company policy to ensure the environment is not degraded further by sugarcane farming. 

The government should look at subsidising further seed cane and fertilizer in order to ensure that farmers are not embroiled in constant debt. 

There is need for revision of the interest rates accrued on seed cane as well as credit issued to farmers by the miller to cut back on overreliance on such services.

The millers should also look to redistribute the benefits of sugarcane byproducts amongst the farmers especially due to the fluctuating prices of sugar that never guarantee farmers a net profit margin. This would go a long way in liberalising the sugar industry as it would empower farmers while acting as an additional incentive to motivate them as far as sugarcane farming is concerned.

Due to high levels of food insecurity in Lugazi, as result of sugarcane introduction, households should be encouraged to produce food sufficient to feed the households before venturing in to sugarcane.

The formulation of agricultural policies should also be integrated to minimize the opportunity cost incurred in the process of trying to achieve cash crop and food crop objectives.

5.4. Areas for further studies

The study recommends that further studies should be carried out on; the strategies to improve food security in sugar growing areas, the effect of sugarcane growing on the physical environment and the effect of sugarcane farming on the education of people

REFERENCES

Betteridge, D.J. (2000). Roadmap for Transforming Narok into a prosperous and competitive County. Transmara sub-county Government, Tanzania.

Fischer G., Teixeira E., Tothne E., Hizsnyik & Van Velthuizen H. (2009). Land Use dynamics and Sugarcane production. Wageningen Academic Publishers 

Kalani, N. (2013). Sugar’s Last Stand.  Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 

Kipsisei, G. (2011). Environmental Degradation and Social Conflict in Transmara District, South Rift Valley of Kenya. (Masters Thesis, Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies. University of Nairobi) 

Lankhorst, M. & Veldman M. (2011). Socio-economic impact of commercial exploitation of Rwandan marshes: A Case Study of sugarcane production in rural Kigali. RCN Justice and Demicratie 

Lorentzen, J. (2009). Global Sugar, regional water and local people: EU sugar regime liberalization, rural livelihoods and the environment in the Incomati River Basin. South African Journal of Science. 

Monroy L., Mulinge W., Witwer M., (2012). Analysis of incentives and disincentives for sugar in Kenya. Technical notes series, MAFAP, FAO, Rome. 

Mosoti A. (1997). A comparative economic analysis of contracted and non-contracted sugarcane farming. The case of the South Nyanza sugar project, Kenya. (Masters Thesis. University of Nairobi.) 

Mugenda O. & Mugenda A. (2003). Research Methods – quantitative and qualitative approaches. Acts Press. Nairobi, Kenya. 

Netondo G., Waswa F., Maina L., Naisiko T., Masayi N. & Ngaira J. (2010). Agro biodiversity endangered by Sugarcane Farming in Mumias and Nzoia Sugar belts of Western Kenya. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Vol 4 (7).

Prado, G., Dirce, M., Marcos A., Alfésio, L, Luiz, A. (2012). Burnt Sugarcane Harvesting: Particulate Matter Exposure and the Effects on Lung Function, Science Direct. 

Royer, T.C., Patricia A. Tester, and Thomas, N.S. (2014). Sugarcane Field Runoff Is Potentially Harmful to Local Coral Reefs.

Santos, U.P., Dirce, M.T., Mário, T., and Emmanuel, A.B. (2014). Burnt Sugarcane Harvesting Is Associated with Acute Renal Dysfunction.” Kidney International 

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Wiedenfeld, B. (2009). “Effects of Green Harvesting vs. Burning on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Sugarcane in South Texas.” Journal of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists. 

APPENDICES

APPENDIX I: QUESTIONNAIRE

Dear respondents

I am, KENGANZI REBECCA SHEILA, would like your assistance in filling this questionnaire as a partial requirement for the fulfilment of my Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Economics of Kyambogo University. The responses shall be confidential and used for the sole purpose of this thesis. Your co-operation is highly appreciated.

SECTION A: PERSONAL DATA

1. Gender

Male

Female

2. Age

1. 18 – 19
2. 20 – 22
3. 23– 25
4. 25 and above

3. What is your highest level of education

Primary

Secondary

Tertiary

4. What is the size of your household?

1-2 3-4 5 and above

Section B: The effect of sugarcane growing on the people’s income.

5. What is the effect of sugarcane growing on people’s income? Tick the best option by using strongly Agree (SA), agree (A), Not Sure (NS), Disagree (D).

Others (specify) …………………………………………………………..

Section C: The effect of sugarcane growing on food security of people.

6. What is the effect of sugarcane growing on food security of people? Tick the best option by using strongly Agree (SA), agree (A), Not Sure (NS), Disagree (D).

Others (specify) ………………………………………………………………..

Section D: The effect of sugarcane growing on health and sanitation.

7. What is the effect of sugarcane growing on health and sanitation? Tick the best option by using strongly Agree (SA), agree (A), Not Sure (NS), Disagree (D).

Others (specify) ………………………………………………………………..

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME