The Goal Housing Support Programme and People’s Standards of Living in Masaka: A Case Study of the Beneficiaries of Housing Support Programme in Bukakata.

Abstract

MUTUMBA GODFREY (2008-M092-30028)

The Goal Housing Support Programme and People’s Standards of Living in Masaka: A Case Study of the Beneficiaries of Housing Support Programme in Bukakata.

Shelter is a basic necessity, thus, a very important aspect for human survival. This study is about the impact of the Goal Housing Support Programme on people‟s standards of living with a case study of the beneficiaries in Bukakata, Masaka district. The neglect of the housing sector by most policy makers and development partners has resulted into a problem of poor housing and homelessness among the nationals. It was the poor living state of the people in Masaka that prompted Goal to implement the housing programme targeting the poor of the poorest. Upon the works of the programme, the researcher found it necessary to carry out an evaluative research targeting the beneficiaries to analyse the programme’s performance in improving household incomes, housing facilities and health. The study was guided by a theoretical framework which looked at the poor living conditions of the people characterised by homelessness, hunger, poor housing, poor health, lack of security to property, low or no incomes, stigma and lack of access to social amenities. Such conditions called for a solution to which Goal Housing Support Programme (HSP) responded guided by community members, the civil society and local council representatives during a beneficiary identification process. The researcher expected to find improved standards of living in terms of household health, incomes and housing structures. The research adopted a cross-sectional survey design in which qualitative and quantitative methods were applied. Both random and non-random sampling techniques guided the data collection process. The research also utilised both primary and secondary data sources. The findings indicate that HSP has done a commendable job in improving people’s housing facilities. Through house construction, the health of the occupants greatly improved as lack of shelter proved to be the driver of poor health of the occupants. Health also improved through referrals made by the staff to the service providers who give home-based care to the sick. Incomes only improved in households which had youths trained in construction skills since they are able to find employment. No major income generating activities were introduced to the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries, however, sell off some of the water from their tanks to earn a living, whereas others boast of a conducive working environment given the improved land security ensured by the HSP which was a boost to the farming business. Key words: Standard, Goal, Living, Housing