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Head Teachers’ Conflict Management Strategies and Teachers’ Commitment in Government Aided Primary Schools in Nwoya District
(Gulu University, 2025) Achola Harriet
This study examined the head teachers’ conflict management strategies and teachers’ commitment in government-aided primary schools in Nwoya District. The study objectives were; i) To determine the predominant conflict management strategies used by head teachers in government aided primary schools in Nwoya District, ii) To investigate the level of teacher commitment in government aided primary schools in Nwoya District, and iii) To establish the influence of head teachers’ conflict management strategies on teachers’ commitment in government aided primary schools in Nwoya District.
A quantitative approach with a descriptive correlational research design was employed. The Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table was used to sample 238 respondents (head teachers and teachers) from a population of 462 in 36 government-aided primary schools, supported by purposive and simple random techniques. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data, which were analyzed using SPSS version 25 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis.
Findings revealed that compromising was the most frequently employed strategy by head teachers (Mean = 3.53), followed by competing (Mean = 3.38) and avoiding (Mean = 3.27). Teachers reported high levels of affective commitment (Mean = 4.21), continuance commitment (Mean = 4.31), and moderate normative commitment (Mean = 3.90). A significant positive correlation was found between compromising and affective commitment (r = .451, p < .001). Regression analysis confirmed that compromising significantly predicted affective commitment (β = .372, p < .001).
The study concluded that collaborative conflict management strategies, particularly compromising, enhance teacher commitment. Leadership training and emotionally intelligent conflict resolution practices are vital for sustaining positive school climates and professional dedication. The researcher therefore recommends that schools should carry out continuous training on collaborative conflict resolution, foster open communication , incorporate performance appraisal, while encouraging teachers to apply emotional intelligence in conflict resolution.
DRIVERS OF BORROWING DECSIONS AND CHOICE OF SOURCE OF CREDIT AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN NORTHERN UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2025) OCEN JASPER
Access to credit plays a critical role in improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by enabling them to invest in agricultural inputs, expand production, and enhance food security. However,smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda continue to face challenges in accessing agricultural credit due to socio-economic and institutional barriers. This study examined the influence of socio-economic factors and credit attributes on borrowing decisions and choice of agricultural credit source among
smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 223 smallholder farmers in Amuru and Nwoya districts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and multinomial logit regression models. The study findings revealed that 65% of the farmers had borrowed credit. Additionally, borrowing decisions were significantly influenced by the sex of household head, one-off repayment schedule, collateral requirement, number of farm labourers, credit approval history, marital status, and interaction between sex of household head and interest amount. Furthermore, the choice of credit source was significantly
influenced by sex of household head, credit approval history, interest amount, collateral requirement, credit amount, and participation of female spouse in credit application. Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) were the most common source of borrowing, followed by microfinance institutions. The study concludes that both socio-economic factors and credit attributes jointly determine smallholder farmers’ borrowing decisions and their choice of credit sources. Enhancing access to agricultural credit therefore requires addressing gender disparities, reducing collateral constraints, and aligning repayment schedules with agricultural income cycles. The study recommends that financial institutions should develop gender-sensitive and farmer-friendly credit products, including flexible repayment schedules and group-based collateral systems. Government and
development partners should strengthen financial literacy and promote inclusive agricultural credit policies to ensure equitable access to credit among smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda.
ANALYSIS OF COFFEE VALUE CHAIN UPGRADING OPPORTUNITIES IN ZOMBO AND NEBBI DISTRICTS, UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2025) ORACH OCHAYA VINCENT
The coffee value chain in the Zombo and Nebbi districts of Uganda faces significant socioeconomic challenges that impact the productivity and economic status of smallholder coffee farmers. This study set out to analyze coffee value chain upgrading opportunities in these districts. Specifically, the study characterized smallholder coffee farmers, determined the extent of value chain upgrading, and examined factors affecting upgrading choices. A cross-sectional study design was employed to obtain responses from 288 smallholder coffee farmers. Descriptive statistics was used to characterize smallholder coffee farmers and to determine the extent of value chain upgrading among smallholder coffee farmers and probit regression was used to examine the factors affecting value chain upgrading choice among smallholder coffee farmers. Study findings revealed
male dominance in coffee farming, low educational attainment among farmers, and heavy reliance on agriculture for livelihoods. The study also highlights limited access to market information and credit, which impedes farmers' ability to scale operations and invest in necessary inputs. The results indicate that while most farmers are engaged in the initial stages of value chain upgrading, such as producing red cherries and parchment coffee, there is a significant drop in involvement beyond these stages. Factors such as farm size, access to extension services, and market information positively influence upgrading, whereas poverty and high costs pose significant barriers. The study recommends that there is a need for targeted interventions to improve access to affordable credit, extension services, and market information.
GENDER PARTICIPATION IN THE FISH VALUE CHAIN IN AMOLATAR DISTRICT
(Gulu University, 2025) LAKER VIOLA
ABSTRACT
This study was set out to contribute to an understanding of gender participation in the fish value chain in Amolatar District. Specifically, the study assessed the relationship between socioeconomic factors and gendered participation in the fish value chain, determined the drivers of value shares earned at the various nodes of the fish value chain and determined the factors influencing vertical integration in the fish value chain. Using a cross-sectional survey of 355 randomly selected fish value chain actors. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Tobit regression model and Multinomial regression. Findings revealed that value shares earned at the various nodes of the fish value chain was driven by sex of household head, participation of boys, participation of male spouse, participation of HH member in fish processing, dealing in tilapia, dealing in Nile perch, dealing in silver fish, quantity of fish sold, access to buyer information, distance to market, group membership and education. Vertical integration was influenced by sex of household head, dealing in silver fish, dealing in Nile perch, fish price, tax costs, transport costs, engagement in other farming activities, engagement in trading activities, distance to market and group membership. This study recommends diversification and inclusion in decision-making, strengthening support for value addition, market access, promoting group formation, and strengthening institutional support for value chain actors to overcome barriers to upgrading and enhance the overall efficiency of the fish value chain.
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SELECTED GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG PIGS IN LAMWO DISTRICT, UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2025) AVUDRAGA STANELY
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasitic infections (GPI) in pigs significantly reduce health and productivity, especially in smallholder systems. In Lamwo District, Uganda, data on GPI prevalence and risk factors are limited, hindering effective control efforts. In 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted across six sub-counties in Lamwo District. A total of 266 pigs from 178 households were sampled. Fecal samples were analyzed using Faecal Sedimentation and Modified McMaster techniques to detect parasite eggs and oocysts. Data on household demographics, pig husbandry, water sources, sanitation, and environmental conditions were collected through structured questionnaires and observations. Statistical analyses including Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation analysis were performed in R (version 4.4.1) to determine prevalence and identify risk factors at a 5% significance level. Seven gastrointestinal parasites species were identified. Strongyles were most prevalent (67.7%–80.4%), followed by Fasciola spp. (21.8%) and Coccidia spp. (9.3%–19.9%). Overall GPI prevalence was 74.1%, highest in Paloga Sub- County (13.9%) and lowest in Palabek Kal Town Council (10.2%). Key risk factors included feeding raw swill (AOR = 3.37–4.35; p < 0.02), free-ranging husbandry AOR = 1.82; p = 0.0226), and exposure to human feces from open defecation (AOR = 0.87–2.48; p < 0.03). Local breeds were more affected than exotic or crossbreds. Access to piped or mixed water reduced infection risk. Land-use intensity also influenced infection (OR = 0.41; p
= 0.0003). Correlation analysis showed moderate positive associations between GPI and both demographic (r = 0.60; p = 0.005) and husbandry factors (r = 0.53; p = 0.000). This study confirms a high burden of GPI in pigs in Lamwo District and highlights the critical role of poor husbandry, hygiene, and environmental factors in parasite transmission. Integrated, community-based control strategies including improved hygiene, better husbandry, farmer education, and veterinary interventions are essential to enhance pig health, boost productivity,and reduce zoonotic risks to local communities.