An Introduction to My Research
As an undergraduate researcher from the University of Notre Dame, I have traveled to Nnindye, Uganda for the past two summers to investigate the impact of the University Partnership for Outreach, Research, and Development (UPFORD). This partnership is comprised of the University of Notre Dame, Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) in central Uganda, and individuals living in the nearby rural parish of Nnindye. Through a participatory approach, the program aims to support the residents of Nnindye as they work to define and achieve sustainable social and economic development in the area. During the course of my 6-week project in 2011 and 8-week project in 2012, I explored the achievements and challenges of UPFORD activities, focusing on those associated with the agriculture sector. The primary initiative for the agriculture sector involved the establishment of community matoke gardens in each of the 12 villages of Nnindye, where individuals could come together to learn about the modern techniques of farming. I sought to assess individual and communal attitudes toward these projects. During my summer 2012 research, I also focused specifically on the situation for women in Nnindye, as they make up the majority of UPFORD members and play a crucial role in agricultural development.
Purpose
The goal of my research was twofold: 1) Provide the Notre Dame, Uganda Martyrs University, and Nnindye members of the UPFORD partnership with a better understanding of the current status of program activities; and 2) Outline suggestions for the continued assessment and improvement of these activities. My guiding principle, which I believe directly aligns with the UPFORD vision, involves making a positive impact on both the individual and community lives of the local people involved in participatory development initiatives in Nnindye and throughout the developing world.
Personally, I believe UPFORD's collaborative model is the only viable option for sustainable development. However, many of my conversations in Nnindye highlighted the challenges and caveats that arise throughout the process of this type of participatory development. While most of my research focuses on these issues, I dwell here not to depress or dissuade development partners from engaging the local communities in which they work. Rather, in calling attention to the obstacles, I hope to direct these partners on an informed and appropriate path forward.
Personally, I believe UPFORD's collaborative model is the only viable option for sustainable development. However, many of my conversations in Nnindye highlighted the challenges and caveats that arise throughout the process of this type of participatory development. While most of my research focuses on these issues, I dwell here not to depress or dissuade development partners from engaging the local communities in which they work. Rather, in calling attention to the obstacles, I hope to direct these partners on an informed and appropriate path forward.
Methodology
A focus group discussion in Nnindye
My principal research tool consisted of various interviews and focus group discussions with people living in Nnindye. Both summers I was paired with a student from Uganda Martyrs University, who acted as both my research partner and translator for the summer. Together, we interviewed landowners of the community gardens, individuals who are not currently involved with the work in the UPFORD garden, and individuals who hold leadership positions within the UPFORD program. We also conducted focus groups consisting of garden workers and focus groups consisting exclusively of women from the villages of Nnindye. In order to respect the privacy of the individuals with whom I spoke, I will refrain from disclosing names of people and specific villages throughout my discussions.
The interactive aspects of my research are supplemented by a number of documents that were made available to me in the Outreach office at Uganda Martyrs University. These include documents that outline the preliminary plans and objectives for the UPFORD program, as well as community reports that comment on the program’s progress.
The interactive aspects of my research are supplemented by a number of documents that were made available to me in the Outreach office at Uganda Martyrs University. These include documents that outline the preliminary plans and objectives for the UPFORD program, as well as community reports that comment on the program’s progress.