5 SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE CONDITIONS

5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 The Socio-economic Household Survey
5.2 Results of the Study
5.2.1 Demographics
5.2.2 Commerce and Industry
5.2.3 Communication and Transport
5.2.4 Land Use
5.2.5 Health
5.2.6 Education
5.2.7 Economic and income situation
5.2.8 Existing Water Uses and Sources
5.2.9 Sanitation
SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEY FOR KYAMUSISI SUPPLY AREA (KYAMUSISI-KASAMBYA,
KISOSONKOLE, KIMULI VILLAGES IN KYAMUSISI PARISH MITYANA DISTRICT.
Introduction.
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) is responsible for carrying out planning and
development of water supply facilities to cover communities or villages (LC1s) with scattered
population settlements of up to 1,500 and Rural Growth Centers (RGCs) with populations between
1,500 and 5,000. The project aims at improving the quality of life and livelihoods of the population
through increased access to safe and reliable water supply.

This report describes the findings of the socio-economic study which was carried out in
Kyamusisi Parish by WSS Services (U) Ltd. The socio-economic study was conducted as part of
the feasibility study and detailed design of a water supply and sanitation system for selected
villages in Kyamusisi Parish, Kalangalo Subcounty, Mityana District.
Background
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) is responsible for carrying out planning and
development of water supply facilities to cover communities or villages (LC1s) with scattered
population settlements of up to 1,500 and Rural Growth Centres (RGCs) with populations between
1,500 and 5,000.
The Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department (RWSSD) under the Directorate of Water
Development in the Ministry of Water and Environment is responsible for the provision of safe water
and sanitation services in rural areas across the country. The department coordinates the utilization
of the District Water and Sanitation Conditional Grant (DWSCG) to District Local Governments
(DLGs), providing support to the planning and development of water supply and sanitation projects
(large gravity flow schemes, large motorized piped water schemes and solar powered mini- piped
water systems) and the promotion of appropriate technologies and sanitation practices in rural
areas.
The Water and Sanitation Development Facility – Central (WSDF – C) located at Wakiso District
Headquarters was established in July 2010 as a regional investment mechanism for water supply
and sanitation provision in Small Towns in the Central and Mid – Western regions of Uganda. The
WSDF – C focuses on the following core areas;

 Water Supply: Development, major rehabilitations and extensions of piped water supply
systems in Small Towns (STs) and Rural Growth Centres (RGCs) through undertaking
feasibility studies, detailed designs and construction supervisions in the towns.

 Sanitation: Development of Public and Household sanitation facilities together with

hygiene education and promotion of innovative technologies.

 Environmental protection: through the use of appropriate technologies such as renewable

solar energy and ecological sanitation, and Source catchment protection activities such as
targeted campaigns against bad environmental practices (bush burning) and advocating
for good practices (forestation, agro-forestry, soil erosion control, etc.).

 Empower communities in the targeted Rural Growth Centres through the following
approaches;
 High degree of community organisation as prerequisite for funding. The
beneficiary community is obligated to provide land free of encumbrances for
construction of the proposed infrastructure.
 Capacity building for O&M of the installed facilities.
 Being Gender intentional so that women are empowered and both sexes are
involved in decision making.

Access to safe water and situation of water supply in Mityana district.

Adequate safe water is a pre-requisite for a healthy society which in turn, among other factors,
makes it feasible for the majority of the population to engage in meaningful socio-economic
activities that would increase household income and thereby reduce poverty. In Mityana,total
access to safe water stands at 76% while for urban and rural areas stands at 69% and 78%
respectively, however in Kalangalo sub county access to safe water stands at 43%. Most of the
rural areas (villages) and upcoming small towns in Mityana district access water from point
water sources like boreholes, protected springs and shallow wells. These point water sources are
in many cases characterized by low level of service, Congestion especially during peak hours
(morning and evening), poor functionality and poor water quality characterized by change in
colour and sometimes being salty. The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Water
and Environment in collaboration with its development partners (EXIM BANK of India) has
therefore earmarked funds for development of water supply and sanitation systems in rural areas
in Mityana district among others Kyamusisi, Kimuli and Kisosonkole.
Provision of safe and clean water to the above areas will address the following current problems
associated with fetching water, They include;
 Long distances to the water sources
 Congestion and risk of contracting COVID-19 from the water fetching points especially
boreholes and Public stand posts (PSPs),
 Risk of accidents especially to school going children while crossing the road to fetch
water.
 All categories of people especially small scale business owners, farmers and school going
children will save more financial resources and time previously wasted on fetching water
especially during peak hours of morning and evening when there is a lot of congestion at
boreholes (This problem can also happen at Public stand posts-PSPS) if their distribution
is not taken into account). Time saved on fetching water can be put to useful other
activities hence increasing efficiency and productivity.
Economically, provision of enough safe and clean water to the selected areas will be a big boost
to the already booming business entities that directly depend on water for their survival, they
include Washing bays, education institutions, hotels and restaurants and construction sector.

Project Goal
To improve the quality of life and livelihoods of the population through increased access to safe and
reliable water supply.
Project Objective
The development objective of the assignment is to provide sustainable safe water and sanitation
facilities, based on management responsibility and ownership by the users, within easy reach of 77%
of the rural population by the year 2019 with a 90%-95% effective use and functionality of facilities.

Objectives and purpose of the study

The general objective of the socioeconomic survey was to generate data to serve as benchmark to
inform the proposed water supply interventions.

The specific objectives of the survey were:

i) Demographic profiling of the beneficiary households

ii) Socio-economic profiling of the Households that participated in the survey
iii) Current water access levels and water use behaviors (water sources and demand)
iv) Peoples attitude to current water sources and basic sanitation requirements
 v) Population and demographic trends in the community as a basis for water resource
planning
vi) Ability and willingness to-pay for improved water and sanitation services
vii) Perception on quality of water used domestic use especially drinking water
viii) Peoples’ perception of what should be the best arrangements for water scheme
implementation and future governance arrangements.
ix) Assess the level and state of transport and communication in the entire project area
x) Assess land use and settlement patterns in the study areas
xi) People’s access to health and education facilities in the participating villages and
surrounding communities.
xii) Extent of environmental degradation and awareness.

Study Methodology

The study employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis approaches
within a cross-sectional study design to enhance the validity of findings in the constraints of
available time for the study. Under the quantitative approach, the study collected data from a
randomly selected sample size of 51 households in Kyamusisi supply area Kyamusisi parish
(Kyamusisi, Kimuli and Kisosonkole villages) as indicated in the table below.

Village Parish Total HHs HHs sampled Total population

Kyamusisi Kyamusisi 167 19 835
Kisosonkole Kyamusisi 188 16 940
Kimuli Bujaayu 142 16 710
TOTAL 51 2485

Under the qualitative approach, the study collected data from district, sub-county, parish and
village leaders. The objective of qualitative approach was to capture the stakeholders’ views and
opinions about the existing water supply and needed interventions to address current water
challenges in specific areas. Below is a table showing a list of leaders the team interacted with at
different levels.

No. Name Designation Contact

Both the respondents at household level and leaders were engaged on the following aspects.

 Existing water supply and sanitation situation

 Household preferences for appropriate sanitation systems
 Household livelihood and income levels
 Land ownership and acquisition arrangements
 Housing standards, infrastructure and settlement patterns
 Demographic characteristics of the respondents and average size of the household
 Level of education institutions and development
 Public health status with a particular focus on diseases related to water and sanitation
 Household willingness to pay for construction and use of piped water
 Management and operation of water supply and sanitation services

Data collection and analysis

Under the quantitative component of the survey, structured and semi-structured questionnaires
were developed and administered to adult household respondent males and females using ODK
software programme. The household questionnaire was structured along thematic areas to
generate household socio-economic information that included sanitation, access to health, water
and education services, associated challenges and, land acquisition and ownership arrangements.
Under the qualitative component, a range of techniques were employed including transect walks
and personal observations, photography, key informant interviews, community participatory
dialogue meetings and secondary data reviews. For each technique that was employed, a guide
tool was developed for its use.
A total of 14research assistants and 4 village guides were recruited and trained to help in data
collection processes for a period of four days working in selected areas.

Key informant interviews

Key informants were targeted at both the district level and at subcounty/project level. At the
district level the key informants were the chief administrative officer (CAO) being the head of
the district, District water officer (DWO), District health officer, Environmental officer and an
officer designated for sanitation issues. A key informant interview guide was developed for this
purpose.
At the project level the Consultant worked closely worked with Community development
officers (CDOs) and Senior Assistant Secretaries (SAS) during identification and selection of
key persons, institutions and villages to work with. The CDO also helped in the navigation of
these villages. The Key Informants included parish Chiefs, LC1 chairpersons, political leaders
such as sub county Chairpersons, and technical staff. Key Informant Interviews covered key
areas such as level of service (including available water sources in the parish area), choice of
technology (of what communities want and are ready to pay for), operation and maintenance of
the system infrastructure, pricing and connection fees to water and sanitation systems).
Below are the responses, views and opinions from the leaders (Key informants) the consultant
interacted with.

Household level interviews

The socio-economic investigation focused on the household as the unit of analysis. Structured
questionnaire interviews were conducted targeting adult males and females. Interview questions
were formulated to elicit responses on a range of social and economic aspects as well as other
aspects of interest to the assignment.
The research assistants were trained for two days during which time the research tools
(Questionnaire guides) and techniques were explained to them, Mocks and pretest were done to
ensure that research assistants had fully understood the concepts. Research ethics and proper
conduct were elaborated on as this is key to successful data collection since it eliminates bias,
emphasis was put on self-presentation and fluency of the languages spoken in the area (Luganda,
Kinyarwanda, Runyakitara and other minority languages were taken care of.
At household level, we targeted household heads (male and female) since they are in most cases
tasked with the responsibility of decision making. In rare cases where household heads were
absent, another person of 18 years and above in consultation with the household head provided
the interview.
Institutional interviews
Within the project and surrounding communities, social service institutions were identified as a
source of additional information (qualitative and quantitative) on the baseline status and
aspirations and concerns relating to water and sanitation. A semi-structured questionnaire was
developed and accordingly sectioned to reflect the information needs at this level of data
collection. The educational and health institutions as well as commercial entities (Hotels and
restaurants, lodges etc) and religious institutions were among the targeted institutions for the
interviews. This was among other things to determine the water demand for different institutions
depending on their populations to the water supply design.
Below is detailed gotten from institutions in the supply area.

Community engagement meetings

The process involved making consultations with the Local leadership (LC1), Ordinary
Community Members (men, women,). During the meeting the participants were engaged on
many aspects like development challenges in the area, water situation, land acquisition and
ownership arrangements, socio-economic conditions of the area, perceptions on water quality,
reliability, water fetching responsibilities, preferred water connection, willingness to contribute
to the construction of piped water, preferred operation and maintenance system for water
schemes, willingness to pay for piped water, common water related diseases and challenges
faced while fetching water from different sources. A discussion guide was developed and used in
these meetings.
As an output the meetings generated data on current community perceptions on water and
sanitation practices and preferences including substance disposal arrangements and issues related
to environmental management and protection.
During this study, specific groups of persons to participate in these discussions were selected
with an aim of gathering useful information regarding their socio-economic activities, current
water sources, sanitation practices and beliefs, willingness to pay for improved water supply and
sanitation services, desired levels of service, opportunities and challenges the improved service
may pause to them and the general public.
For purposes of generating and capturing information in an orderly setting, we ensured that the
participants in each meeting did not exceed 15 participants. At least one FGD was held foe every
two villages. These were purposively selected and they had to be neighbours.
More detailed outcomes from the community engagement meetings in the villages of Kyamusisi,
Kimuli and Kisosonkole are further presented below.
Quantitative data analysis
After successful field data collection, data cleaning and sorting sorting was done and completed
and verified questionnaires household interview questionnaires were analysed using a data
software programme called stata and conclusions were made and these conclusions were
compared with information gotten from the key informants and leaders to understand more the
areas being studied.

Qualitative data analysis

Data under this track were generated from a host of data collection techniques-Community
participatory dialogue meetings, Key Informant Interviews, Observations, document reviews etc.
This was largely in textual form, consisting of notes and narratives. These were transcribed,
edited and typed out. They were then read and re-read to identify responses that answer
particular objectives and questions, as well as any emerging patterns of thinking, argument, and
practice revealed by the baseline survey participants. The scripts were then analyzed for content
using latent content analysis. Results from the qualitative data were triangulated with the
quantitative data to enable meaningful interpretation. Some quotations from the qualitative data
were included in the report to bring out the voices of the participants but also to support
explanations and findings from the quantitative data.

Limitations of the study

While a lot of care was taken during preparation and subsequent collection of data, there are
limitations which could not be avoided as highlighted below;
The research assistants were trained on how to handle sensitive questions especially on incomes
and expenditure patterns of the respondents, whereas some people are suspicious and
uncomfortable revealing their income and expenditures most households genuinely do not keep
records of their income and expenditure and thus data collected on these parameters may not be a
true and accurate representation of people’s income and expenditures but rather a picture close to
accurate figures.
Whereas the appointments with district and other relevant authorities were secured prior to the
visit, most of them were not found in office and this cost the team extra time spent in the field
that was not budgeted, none the less all the relevant authorities were met and permission to
proceed with household data collection activities. This was intended to reduce fieldwork
interruptions.
Location and description of the project area.

Communication and transport.

The sub-county enjoys good access to major mobile telephone networks including MTN, Airtel,
UTL, as well as radio and television networks. Ownership of a Mobile among persons aged 10
years and above was at … The radio remains a dominant source of information as most of the
households owned a radio. Besides telecommunication, the district is also connected to satellite
and free to air television and radio stations. Some of the satellite televisions that are accessible in
the districts include; DSTV and Azam TV. Radio stations include; CBS,

The District has a of District Urban and Community Access roads (DUCAR) of which the
District Feeder Roads …. are Urban Roads in. There are approximately 972Km of Community
Access Roads (CARs) under the care of Sub-counties. Out of the District Roads, are in good
condition, Fair while are in bad condition. About … are in maintainable condition while the
remaining 144Km are bogged with bottlenecks, motorable with difficulty and due for
rehabilitation interventions. Isingiro district is also home to of Trunk Roads, which are under the
care of UNRA. Of this trunk road network in Isingiro, is paved while …. is unpaved. The paved
roads include…. The rest of the national roads are unpaved. Most of these roads are
characterized by heavy traffic which can only be saved by up grading it to tarmac or bitumen
standard
Commerce and industry.
Population