Micro-entrepreneurial activities among female-headed households in Ibanda Municipality. A cross-sectional study.

Authors

  • Charity Phiona Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation, Bishop Stuart University Author
  • Ms. Annah Atuhaire Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation, Bishop Stuart University Author
  • Ms. Florence Tutaryebwa Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation, Bishop Stuart University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64792/3yqc6m81

Abstract

Background

The study aimed to establish types of micro-entrepreneurial activities among female-headed households in Ibanda Municipality.

 Methodology

A cross-sectional design was used among female-headed household entrepreneurs in Ibanda Municipality. A sample of 133 respondents was determined using Slovin’s formula and selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, observations, and interviews, while secondary data were obtained from documents and reports. Validity was assessed using expert review and the Content Validity Index, while reliability was enhanced through a pilot study involving ten respondents. Quantitative data were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 25.

 Results

A total of 133 questionnaires were distributed, and all were returned, giving a 100% response rate. Regarding age, 70 (52.6%) respondents were aged 36 years and above, 42 (31.6%) were aged 31–35 years, 15 (11.3%) were aged 26–30 years, and 6 (4.5%) were aged 21–25 years. Female-headed households engaged in various micro-entrepreneurial activities, with an overall grand mean of 1.72 (SD=1.17). Retail and petty trading was the most prominent activity (Mean=2.82, SD=1.88), followed by agricultural and livestock activities (Mean=2.01, SD=1.68). Service-oriented micro-enterprises recorded a mean of 1.58 (SD=1.33), while artisanal and craft production had a mean of 1.18 (SD=0.71). Digital or home-based online businesses were least reported (Mean=1.02, SD=0.26).

 Conclusion

Female-headed households engaged mainly in retail, petty trading, agricultural, livestock, and service-oriented micro-enterprises.

 Recommendation

Female-headed household entrepreneurs should diversify income-generating activities to sustain income and reduce dependence on one livelihood source.

Author Biographies

  • Charity Phiona, Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation, Bishop Stuart University

    a student pursuing a Master of Social Work at Bishop Stuart University

  • Ms. Annah Atuhaire, Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation, Bishop Stuart University

    research supervisor at Bishop Stuart University.

  • Ms. Florence Tutaryebwa, Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation, Bishop Stuart University

    research supervisor at Bishop Stuart University.

References

1. DfID. (1999). Sustainable livelihoods guidance sheets. Department for International Development.

2. Friedson-Ridenour, S., & Pierotti, R. S. (2019). Competing priorities: Women’s microenterprises and household relationships. World Development, 121, 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.04.008

3. International Monetary Fund. African Department. (2024). Social and economic programs and gender inclusion. IMF Staff Country Reports, 2024(291), A003. https://doi.org/10.5089/9798400289293.002.A003

4. Mahato, J., Jha, M. K., & Verma, S. (2022). The role of social capital in developing sustainable micro-entrepreneurship among rural women in India: A theoretical framework. International Journal of Innovation, 10(3), 504–526. https://doi.org/10.5585/iji.v10i3.21771

5. Namatovu, R., Dawa, S., Katongole, C., & Mulira, F. (2012). Understanding women micro and small business entrepreneurs in Uganda (Report No. 01/12). Investment Climate and Business Environment Research Fund.

6. Welsh, D. H. B. (2016). Women-owned family businesses in Africa: Entrepreneurs changing the face of progress. In M. Acquaah (Ed.), Family businesses in sub-Saharan Africa: Behavioral and strategic perspectives (pp. 155–173). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-36143-1_6

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Published

2026-09-22

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2026): July 2026 Issue

Section

Business, Economics, and Management

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Charity Phiona, Ms. Annah Atuhaire, Ms. Florence Tutaryebwa (Author)

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How to Cite

Micro-entrepreneurial activities among female-headed households in Ibanda Municipality. A cross-sectional study. (2026). East African Journal of Research and Innovation, 2(3), 9. https://doi.org/10.64792/3yqc6m81