CONCEPT PAPER

DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH SERVICES November 2024

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARISH

DEVELOPMENT MODEL (PDM) ON HOUSEHOLD LIVELIHOODS
IN UGANDA.

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 1.0 INTRODUCTION

This paper proposes a study to evaluate the Parish Development Model's impact
on Uganda's livelihoods. The evaluation will explore how effectively the model
has facilitated socio-economic transformation, improved living standards, and
addressed poverty within targeted communities. By analyzing implementation
mechanisms, community engagement, and overall effectiveness. It gives a
background to the problem, rationale for the study, objectives and proposed
methodology for the study.

The research report will be utilized by the Parliament of Uganda for legislative
and oversight purposes in evaluating the effectiveness of the Parish
Development Model (PDM) in improving household livelihoods. It will aim to
identify gaps in the implementation of the PDM and propose evidence-based
recommendations to address these gaps. The findings will contribute to informed
decision-making ensuring that the policy framework aligns to enhance household
welfare and promote socio-economic transformation at the grassroots level.

1.1 Background

The Parish Development Model (PDM) is a strategic initiative by the Government

of Uganda aimed at transforming subsistence households into a money
economy. As the last mile strategy for service delivery, the PDM focuses on
enhancing incomes and welfare at the household level, leveraging the parish as
the primary administrative unit for implementing development interventions. 1.
This model is designed to coordinate government services and foster local
economic development, aligning with the objectives of Uganda's National
Development Plan III (NDPIII)2.

The importance of the PDM lies in its targeted approach to address the needs of
approximately 39% of Ugandan households that remain in subsistence farming.
By emphasizing community mobilization and participation, the PDM seeks to
empower local populations to identify their development priorities and engage in
initiatives that promote economic growth and self-sufficiency 3. The model
operates under seven key pillars: agricultural value chain development,
1
Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, (2021)). The Parish Development Model: A
Framework for Implementation. Kampala: Government of Uganda.
2
National Planning Authority, (2020) National Development Plan III 2020/21 - 2024/25. Kampala: Government
of Uganda.
3
Uganda Bureau of Statistics, (2021) Statistical Abstract 2021. Kampala: Uganda Bureau of Statistics.

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Plot 16-19 Parliament Avenue P.O. Box 7178, Kampala, Uganda. Email: [email protected]
 infrastructure and economic services, financial inclusion, social services,
community mobilization, parish-based management information systems, and
governance4.

1.2 Rationale

The Parish Development Model (PDM) is fundamentally designed to address

the persistent issue of poverty among subsistence households in Uganda.
Approximately 39% of Ugandan households remain entrenched in subsistence
farming, limiting their economic potential and access to essential services. 5 . The
rationale behind the PDM is to create a structured approach that empowers
these households to transition into the money economy, thereby enhancing their
livelihoods and overall welfare. This initiative aligns with Uganda's broader
development goals, including the National Development Plan III (NDPIII) and
Vision 2040, which aim for a transformed society that is economically prosperous
and self-sufficient6. By focusing on localized development through parishes, the
PDM seeks to ensure that government interventions are more effective,
transparent, and accountable at the community level.

1.3 Objectives

The objectives of the PDM are multifaceted and aim to create a comprehensive
framework for socio-economic transformation. The main objective of this study
is:

i. To assess the impact of PDM on household income levels.

The specific objectives include:

1. To examine the level of involvement of marginalized groups such as

women, PwD(s), and Youth in the planning and implementation of PDM
activities.
2. To evaluate whether governance structures have prioritized community
needs and ensured accountability and transparency in the management
and implementation of PDM initiatives.

4
Office of the Prime Minister, (2021) Guidelines for Implementing the Parish Development Model. Kampala:
Government of Uganda.
5
Ibid.
6
Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, (2021). The Parish Development Model: A
Framework for Implementation. Kampala: Government of Uganda.
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Plot 16-19 Parliament Avenue P.O. Box 7178, Kampala, Uganda. Email: [email protected]
 3. To determine the sustainability of economic activities supported by PDM
and the extent to which these activities have reduced dependence on
subsistence farming, fostering long-term economic growth.

1.4 Scope of the Study

The study will expand upon previously conducted evaluations of Uganda's

presidential initiatives as well as areas that still require attention. It will
encompass an evaluation of the PDM's implementation across all 10,594
parishes in the Four regions of Uganda. In addition, the study will also focus on
assessing how effectively the model has been operationalized within its seven
key pillars:

1. Agricultural Value Chain Development: Enhancing production,

storage, processing, and marketing.

2. Infrastructure and Economic Services: Improving physical

infrastructure to support economic activities.

3. Financial Inclusion: Facilitating access to financial services for all

community members.

4. Social Services: Ensuring access to essential social services such as

health and education.

5. Community Mobilization: Engaging communities in identifying their

development priorities.

6. Mindset Change: Promoting a shift towards a culture of entrepreneurship

and self-reliance.

7. Governance and Administration: Strengthening local governance

structures for better service delivery7.

This study will analyze the effectiveness of these pillars in achieving the
overarching goals of poverty eradication and socio-economic transformation
within targeted communities.

2 METHODOLOGY.

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Uganda Bureau of Statistics, (2021). Statistical Abstract 2021. Kampala: Uganda Bureau of Statistics.
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Plot 16-19 Parliament Avenue P.O. Box 7178, Kampala, Uganda. Email: [email protected]
 2.1 Study Design.

This study will adopt a mixed-methods approach to comprehensively evaluate

the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM) on livelihoods in Uganda. By
combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study aims to
capture diverse perspectives from various stakeholders involved in the
implementation of the PDM. For the qualitative component, in-depth interviews
will be conducted with key informants, including local government officials,
community leaders, and beneficiaries of the PDM. An interview guide will be
developed to explore gaps and challenges faced in the implementation of
decentralization and the effectiveness of the PDM. This qualitative data will
provide rich insights into personal experiences and contextual factors influencing
the program's success. In parallel, a quantitative survey will be administered
using structured questionnaires to gather data from a broader population of
respondents across selected districts. This quantitative data will complement the
qualitative findings by providing statistical evidence of the program's impact on
household incomes, access to services, and overall community development.

2.2 Sampling Technique

The study will employ purposive sampling techniques to select districts from
four administrative regions of Uganda as shown in Table 1: Eastern, Northern,
Western, and Central. The aim is to choose districts that are geographically close
to one another to facilitate logistical efficiency and ensure that the selected
areas share similar socio-economic characteristics.

Table 1: Table showing Selected Districts by Region.

S/n Region District(s)

1. North Adjumani, Lira, Gulu, Amuru, Nwoya, Pader, & Kitgum

2. East Buyende, Pallisa, Mbale, Sironko, Bulambuli, Bugiri, &

Bukedea

3. West Mitooma, Kabale, Bundibugyo, bushenyi, Isingiro,

Ntungamo, & Rukungiri

4. Central Kayunga, Wakiso, Mubende, Kyotera, Nakasongola

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 Nakaseke, & Bukomansimbi.

This selection of districts will provide a representative sample that reflects the
diverse experiences and challenges faced by communities under the PDM across
different regions of Uganda. By focusing on neighbouring districts within each
region, the study aims to minimize variability in external factors that could
influence the outcomes being measured, thereby enhancing the reliability of the
findings.

2.3 Data Collection Methods.

The data collection for this study will utilize a combination of qualitative and
quantitative methods, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the Parish
Development Model (PDM) and its impact on livelihoods in Uganda. The two
primary methods of data collection will be interviews and questionnaires, each
designed to gather specific types of information from different stakeholders
involved in the PDM.

2.3.1 Interviews

In-depth interviews will be conducted with key stakeholders, including local

government officials, community leaders, and beneficiaries of the PDM. These
interviews will be semi-structured, guided by an interview protocol that includes
open-ended questions aimed at eliciting detailed responses about the
implementation challenges and successes of the PDM. The qualitative nature of
these interviews will allow for the exploration of personal experiences,
perceptions, and contextual factors that influence the effectiveness of the model.
The interviews will be recorded (with participants' consent) and subsequently
transcribed for analysis. Thematic analysis will be employed to identify common
themes and patterns in the responses, providing insights into the gaps in
implementation, community engagement, and overall impact on livelihoods.

2.3.2 Questionnaires

To complement the qualitative data obtained from interviews, structured

questionnaires will be administered too, to a broader sample of respondents
across the selected districts. The questionnaires will consist of both closed-ended
and open-ended questions designed to quantify various aspects of the PDM's
impact on household incomes, access to services, and community development

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Plot 16-19 Parliament Avenue P.O. Box 7178, Kampala, Uganda. Email: [email protected]
 outcomes. The closed-ended questions will utilize Likert scales and multiple-
choice formats to facilitate statistical analysis, while open-ended questions will
allow respondents to provide additional insights into their experiences with the
PDM. The questionnaire will be pre-tested in a pilot study to ensure clarity and
relevance before full deployment. Data collected through questionnaires will be
analyzed using statistical software to generate descriptive statistics and
inferential analyses that will help identify trends and correlations related to the
effectiveness of the PDM in improving livelihoods

2.4 Survey Respondents

To comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of the Parish Development Model

(PDM), the research will gather data from various stakeholders at different levels
of the PDM hierarchy. These respondents will provide insights into the program's
implementation, coordination, and impact on household livelihoods. Data will be
collected through a combination of questionnaires and interviews, tailored to
the specific roles of each respondent as shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Table showing duties at each level of the Parish Development Model
(PDM)

Level Respondents Data Collection

Method
District Level Chief Administrative Officer Interviews and Questionnaires
(CAO), District PDM Steering
Committee Members, Heads of
Departments (DTPC), Local
Council V (LCV) Chairperson
Sub-County Level Sub-County Chief/Division Interviews and Questionnaires
Town Clerk, Sub-County
Technical Planning Committee
Members, Local Council III
(LCIII) Chairperson
Parish Level Parish Chief, Parish Interviews and Questionnaires
Development Committee
(PDC) Members
Village Level Local Council I (LCI) Interviews and Questionnaires
Chairperson

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 Household Level Beneficiaries/Enterprise Group Interviews
Representatives

2.5 Data Analysis and Reporting

Data analysis in this study will follow a mixed-methods approach, integrating

both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive evaluation of
the Parish Development Model (PDM). The analysis will be conducted in two main
phases: qualitative analysis of interview data and quantitative analysis of survey
data.

2.5.1 Qualitative Data Analysis: The qualitative data obtained from

interviews will be analyzed using thematic analysis. This process involves coding
the transcribed interviews to identify recurring themes, patterns, and insights
related to the implementation challenges and successes of the PDM 8. The
thematic analysis allows for a nuanced understanding of participants'
experiences and perceptions, which can highlight gaps in the program and areas
for improvement. The findings will be reported in narrative form, supported by
direct quotes from participants to illustrate key points.

2.5.2 Quantitative Data Analysis: The quantitative data collected through

questionnaires will be analyzed using statistical software (e.g., SPSS or R).
Descriptive statistics will be computed to summarize demographic
characteristics and key variables related to household incomes, access to
services, and community development outcomes. Inferential statistics, such as
regression analysis, may also be employed to examine relationships between
variables and assess the impact of the PDM on livelihoods. The results will be
presented in tables and graphs for clarity and ease of interpretation. The
integration of qualitative and quantitative findings will occur during the reporting
phase. By triangulating results from both data sources, the study aims to provide
a more robust understanding of the PDM's effectiveness 9. This integrated
approach will facilitate comprehensive reporting, allowing for conclusions that
are informed by multiple perspectives.

3.0 PROPOSED BUDGET

8
Macrothink Institute. (n.d.). Data Analysis in Mixed Research: A Primer.
9
Dovetail. (2023). Mixed Methods Research Guide with Examples.

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Plot 16-19 Parliament Avenue P.O. Box 7178, Kampala, Uganda. Email: [email protected]
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Plot 16-19 Parliament Avenue P.O. Box 7178, Kampala, Uganda. Email: [email protected]