Theses and Dissertations

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http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14270/968

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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Amuge Salome"

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    MONITORING AND EVALUATION PRACTICES AND SUSTANABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL SUPPORTED FARMER GROUPS, A CASE OF NWOYA DISTRICT
    (Gulu University, 2026-10-23) Amuge Salome
    This study investigated the influence of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices on sustainability of agricultural-supported farmer groups in Nwoya District. Despite significant investments from government and non-governmental organizations to bolster food security and rural incomes, many farmer groups struggle to remain viable once external support is withdrawn. The research employed a cross-sectional study design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data was collected from a sample of farmer group members, group leaders, and district agricultural officers using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. The study specifically examined four core M&E dimensions: M&E planning, data collection, reporting, and data sharing and utilization. Findings revealed that planning was the strongest M&E practice, while data collection was the weakest, relying on manual paper records and often lacking timeliness. Social and institutional sustainability were strong, economic sustainability was moderate, and environmental sustainability was weakest. Overall, M&E practices had a strong positive relationship with sustainability, with data collection, data sharing and utilization, and planning contributing significantly, while reporting alone was insufficient unless the information was actually used. There is a gap in how farmer groups use M&E findings to adjust their farming cycles or financial strategies, which directly impacts their resilience against market shocks. It recommends that supporting agencies to shift from top-down monitoring to participatory M&E frameworks that empower local farmers to track their own progress, it further recommends that partners should prioritize capacity building in data management, financial management to ensure that these agricultural initiatives survive beyond initial funding.