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Item MICROFINANCE LENDING TERMS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN GULU CITY, UGANDA(Gulu University, 2026-06-06) MUSINGUZI ROGERThis study examined the influence of microfinance lending terms on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Gulu City, Uganda. Specifically, the study established the lending terms offered by microfinance institutions, assessed the performance of SMEs accessing microfinance loans, examined the effects of lending terms on SME performance, and explored the moderating role of government policy frameworks. A cross-sectional research design and quantitative approach were employed, involving 221 SME owners and managers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression techniques. The findings revealed that loan accessibility was the most influential lending term, positively contributing to SME growth, profitability, and sustainability. Although interest rates, collateral requirements, and repayment schedules were generally perceived as supportive, concerns regarding affordability and flexibility remained. The study further found that SMEs exhibited moderate levels of growth, profitability, and sustainability, despite challenges related to market expansion and financial stability. In addition, supportive government regulations and SME support programs significantly enhanced SME performance by creating a more favorable business environment. The study concluded that accessible and SME-friendly microfinance lending terms, together with effective government support mechanisms, are essential for improving SME performance. It recommends enhancing loan accessibility, adopting more flexible lending conditions, and strengthening government support programs to promote the growth, profitability, and sustainability of SMEs in Uganda.Item ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS. A CASE OF “FROM CLIMATE VICTIMS TO CLIMATE HEROES” PROJECT IN OMORO DISTRICT(Gulu University, 2026-10-19) Mukisa DanielThis study examined the effect of climate-smart agricultural practices on the resilience to Climate Variability of smallholder farmers, focusing on the “From Climate Victims to Climate Heroes” project in Omoro District, Uganda. This study addressed specific objectives that were to investigate the level of adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, assess the level of resilience of smallholder farmers, and analyze the relationship between climate-smart agricultural adoption and resilience. A quantitative approach was employed using a quasi-experimental design. Data was collected from selected sub-counties in Omoro District, including Koro, Bobi, and Lakwana using questionnaire method. The Sample size comprised of 381 respondents combining beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the project. The results showed that beneficiaries were much more likely than non-beneficiaries to practice climate-smart farming, particularly agroforestry, mixed farming, and the adoption of climate-smart crop varieties, highlighting the success of the intervention in encouraging smallholder farmers to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices. The intervention has a positive impact on strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers to face climate challenges because the beneficiaries are more resilient than the non-beneficiaries, having higher production, higher income and better access to the carbon market. The outcomes for smallholder farmers are significantly better in the event of their participation in the “From Climate Victims to Climate Heroes” project, irrespective of the matching methodology, as they will get greater production, income and market access to the carbon market. The research suggests some specific actions that can be taken by governments, NGOs, research institutions and smallholder farmers. Governments should include climate-smart agriculture in national agricultural policy, enhance the infrastructure in rural areas, and enable smallholders to benefit from carbon markets. Participatory training and engagement of vulnerable groups should be the focus of NGOs. Research institutions are encouraged to experiment with context-specific climate-smart agriculture models and create resilience indicators. Smallholder farmers are advised to practice integrated farming methods, to organize themselves into groups and share their knowledge and experience so as to increase their capacity to respond collectively.Item CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVES AND MAIZE PRODUCI*ION PERFORMANCE AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS; A CASE STUDY OF RESILIENCE AND LIVELIHOOD PROJECr IN OYAM DISTRICT(Gulu University, 2026) ADONGO CAROLINEThis tudy examined the influence Of capacity-building initiatives on maize productionperformance among smallholder farmers in Oyam District, Uganda. Specifically, it assessed the nature of capacity-building efforts, evaluated maize production outcomes, explored the link between capacity building and performance, and considered how environmental factors shaped this relationship. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected from 157 respondents, including 138 smallholder maize farmers, 05 extension workers, IO local leaders, and 04 NGO representatives, using surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25, applying descriptive statistics and correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative data were examined through thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that farmers' capacity building is positively correlation to farmers' capacity building and maize production performance. Farmers' capacity building is strongly associated with maize production performance, with training and peer learning emerging as the most influential factors compared to mentoring alone. The study found that environmental factors do not moderate the relationship between farmers' capacity building and maize production performance. In conclusion, capacity-building initiatives have made a clear and lasting contribution to maize farming outcomes in Oyam District. Farmers who participated in these programs adopted more effective practices, gained confidence, and improved resilience, though broader support and policy alignment are needed to address persistent environmental and market challenges. The study recommends that smallholder farmers, NGOs, government, extension workers, and local leaders should work together to expand practical, decentralized training, strengthen farmer groups, and improve access to quality inputs, credit, and markets. Continued investment in rural infrastructure, strong extension services, and coordinated field demonstrations will support consistent learning and adoption Of improved agronomic and climate-smart practices across all communities.Item MONITORING AND EVALUATION PRACTICES AND SUSTANABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL SUPPORTED FARMER GROUPS, A CASE OF NWOYA DISTRICT(Gulu University, 2026-10-23) Amuge SalomeThis 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.Item DOMESTIC INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN UGANDA: A TIME SERIES ANALYSIS (1985 – 2023).(Gulu University, 2023-09-22) OLAK KENNETH KAUNDAThis study examines the impact of domestic investment on economic growth in Uganda, focusing on the roles of public sector investment (PSI), private sector investment (PrSI), and the moderating effects of monetary policy variables, namely the interest rate (IR) and the exchange rate (EXR). The study is motivated by the persistent inconsistency between rising investment levels and fluctuating economic growth in Uganda, raising concerns about the effectiveness and efficiency of investment in driving sustainable development. Using annual time-series data for 1985–2023, sourced from the World Development Indicators (World Bank) and the Bank of Uganda, the study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modeling approach with secondary quantitative data. This method is suitable given the mixed order of integration among variables and its ability to capture both short-run dynamics and long-run equilibrium relationships. The analysis was conducted using Stata (version 15). The empirical findings show a statistically significant long-run relationship among economic growth, public investment, and private investment. The results indicate that private sector investment has a positive and statistically significant effect on economic growth in both the short run and the long run, highlighting its critical role as a driver of economic performance. While the public sector plays a supportive role, the results show that monetary policy variables exert varying influences on economic growth. Interest rates have a negative effect, consistent with theoretical expectations that higher borrowing costs discourage investment, while the exchange rate demonstrates a weak and statistically insignificant impact. The error correction mechanism confirms a stable adjustment process, although the speed of adjustment to long-run equilibrium is relatively slow, indicating structural rigidities in the economy. The study concludes that the private sector is the dominant contributor to economic growth in Uganda, while the effectiveness of public investment remains limited. The study’s policy recommendation recommends policies aimed at enhancing investment in the private sector, improving the efficiency and allocation of public investment, and maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment to support sustainable growth. The study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing Uganda empirical evidence using econometric model and differentiating between private and public impacts to economic growth.Item DOMESTIC INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN UGANDA: A TIME SERIES ANALYSIS (1985 – 2023).(Gulu University, 2026-09-22) Olak Kenneth KaundaThis study examines the impact of domestic investment on economic growth in Uganda, focusing on the roles of public sector investment (PSI), private sector investment (PrSI), and the moderating effects of monetary policy variables, namely the interest rate (IR) and the exchange rate (EXR). The study is motivated by the persistent inconsistency between rising investment levels and fluctuating economic growth in Uganda, raising concerns about the effectiveness and efficiency of investment in driving sustainable development. Using annual time-series data for 1985–2023, sourced from the World Development Indicators (World Bank) and the Bank of Uganda, the study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modeling approach with secondary quantitative data. This method is suitable given the mixed order of integration among variables and its ability to capture both short-run dynamics and long-run equilibrium relationships. The analysis was conducted using Stata (version 15). The empirical findings show a statistically significant long-run relationship among economic growth, public investment, and private investment. The results indicate that private sector investment has a positive and statistically significant effect on economic growth in both the short run and the long run, highlighting its critical role as a driver of economic performance. While the public sector plays a supportive role, the results show that monetary policy variables exert varying influences on economic growth. Interest rates have a negative effect, consistent with theoretical expectations that higher borrowing costs discourage investment, while the exchange rate demonstrates a weak and statistically insignificant impact. The error correction mechanism confirms a stable adjustment process, although the speed of adjustment to long-run equilibrium is relatively slow, indicating structural rigidities in the economy. The study concludes that the private sector is the dominant contributor to economic growth in Uganda, while the effectiveness of public investment remains limited. The study’s policy recommendation recommends policies aimed at enhancing investment in the private sector, improving the efficiency and allocation of public investment, and maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment to support sustainable growth. The study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing Uganda empirical evidence using econometric model and differentiating between private and public impacts to economic growth.