The Role of Ugandan Women in Rural Agriculture and Food Security

Women engaged in small-scale rural agriculture in Iganga, Uganda for the purpose of household food security and/or income generation face a number of challenges to creating sustainable livelihoods. This analysis is presented in the form of a case study based on research conducted over the period of one year in Uganda between September 2012 and September 2013. Three conceptual orientations are used to guide the research, including sustainable livelihoods, gender and agricultural development, and food security. Pertinent economic, political, and social contexts are identified for each of these orientations. The author then identifies key challenges that women in Iganga face in small-scale agricultural production. Each of these challenges is analyzed in the economic, political, and social context of Uganda. The author concludes this work with programmatic recommendations based on challenges identified and presents a way forward for organizations working with women engaged in small-scale rural agriculture in Iganga