Assessing the livelihood security of the elderly in Mbuya and Kiswa Parishes, Nakawa Division

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the livelihood security of the elderly in Mbuya and Kiswa parishes. The study was guided by the following objectives; to identify the main income generating activities the elderly in Kiswa and Mbuya parishes were involved in, to identify the extent to which the elderly were accessing government livelihood programs, and to find out the assets accumulated by the elderly and how they contributed to their livelihood. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods which helped to gather information on the livelihood security of the elderly in the study area. The sample of the respondents was 50 including 10 key informants bringing the total to 60. The study findings highlighted that there were a number of economic activities the elderly were involved in some of which included; crop production, dairy farming, shopkeeping, among others. The study further highlighted that the elderly were aware of a number of livelihood programmes such as NAADS, SAGE/SCG, UWEP, and Operation Wealth creation. Finally the study concluded by recommending Government and other stakeholders should sensitize the elderly on the importance of saving in order to accumulate assets which will enable them to secure their livelihood. The government should also advertise current livelihood programs to increase the number of elderly accessing these programs.