Fiscal Accountability and Agricultural Extension Programme Efficiency in Selected districts of South Western Uganda

Abstract

This study sought to; identify the relationship of demographic characteristics of the respondents in terms of age, gender, education qualification, religion, and experience; to determine the level of public accountability and NAADS programme efficiency ; to determine if there is a significant difference in the extent of agricultural extension service delivery through NAADS program and the levels of public accountability in respect with their profile; and to determine if there is a significant relationship between the levels of public accountability and NAADS programme efficiency in selected districts of south western Uganda. Primary data were collected from 387 farmers and local government extension workers. It was based on qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the ex post factor, descriptive comparative and descriptive correlation designs were employed. Data was analyzed using relative frequencies; means-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s Linear Correlation Coefficient and linear regression. It was therefore concluded that farmers’ participation in NAADS programme practices was regardless of age, gender, religion, and experience supported by local governments. Thus, it was recommended that, in the quest for local governments to be efficient in the implementation of NAADS programme, Financial Institutions such as World Bank, NGOs and donor community should intensively support poverty reduction programs while ensuring accountability of public funds and emphasizing value for money through strict transparency of public officials in developing countries specifically Uganda.