Challenges towards poverty reduction in Kampala (case study Katanga)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the challenges of poverty reduction in Katanga slum. The specific objectives were; 1) to examine the relationship between social challenges and poverty reduction, 2) to examine the relationship between economic challenges and poverty reduction, and 3) to examine the relationship between demographic challenges and poverty reduction. Data was collected from 92 respondents using questionnaires on the study variables. Analysis of data was done at three levels (Univariate, bivariate and multivariate). Findings indicated that Unmotivated labour force and staff (P=0,037); gender differences (P=0.003); differences in religious belief (P=0.011); ignorance (P=0.036) and Lack of education and skills (0.036) are the major social factors that influence poverty reduction in Katanga. Limited capital (P=0.007); corruption (P=0.056); Poor saving and investment culture (P=0.015); high taxes (P=0.010) and lack of jobs are the significant factors influencing poverty reduction. High fertility rates (P=0.002); Emigration (P=0.013), Prevalence of chronic diseases and STDs (P=0.010); and vulnerability (P=0.028) are the significant demographic factors affecting poverty reduction in Katanga slum. The logistic regression analysis indicated that lack of jobs only influences poverty reduction significantly. The study concluded that various social, economic and demographic variables affect poverty reduction in Katanga slum and therefore the study recommended that government should work on checking on the fertility rates of citizens, encourage saving and credit societies to enhance saving to enhance accumulation of wealth among citizens and control chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS as it has been found that these diseases lead to mortality and mobility.