THE IMPACT OF SUGARCANE CULTIVATION ON PEOPLE’S WELFARE:
A CASE STUDY OF SUGAR CORPORATION OF UGANDA LIMITED (SCOUL), LUGAZI TOWN – BUIKWE DISTRICT
ABSTRACT (Rephrased)
This study was conducted at the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL) to examine the impact of sugarcane cultivation on people’s welfare. The specific objectives were to analyze how sugarcane farming affects household income, food security, and health and sanitation in Lugazi Town, Buikwe District.
A descriptive research design was adopted, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected from 50 respondents using questionnaires and interviews, selected through purposive sampling. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages.
The findings revealed that 66% of respondents reported an increase in household income, while 70% indicated that they could afford to pay school fees for their children. All respondents (100%) agreed that sugarcane farming had enabled them to construct better housing. However, 34% noted that sugarcane factories offer low wages. Additionally, 78% observed improvements in income from food production and other non-farm activities since engaging in sugarcane farming.
Despite these benefits, challenges were identified. About 66% of respondents indicated that sugarcane cultivation has reduced the growth of food crops due to land occupation, leading to food shortages. In terms of health and sanitation, 70% reported improved access to health facilities due to better infrastructure, but 100% highlighted that factory emissions cause health problems such as respiratory diseases. Furthermore, 80% noted that industrial waste negatively affects soil fertility and contaminates water sources.
Overall, sugarcane farming has significantly contributed to improved community welfare, particularly through increased income and infrastructure development. However, it also poses serious threats to food security and environmental sustainability, especially where farmers allocate most of their land to sugarcane production.
The study recommends that the government should provide subsidies for inputs such as seed cane and fertilizers to reduce farmers’ financial burden. Additionally, sugar companies should implement effective environmental management policies to minimize ecological degradation caused by sugarcane production.
