An Audit into the Nature of Operations of Agro-processing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Food Industry
Abstract
The agro-processing Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) form an integral
part of the manufacturing sector in Uganda. To effectively facilitate product certification
among MSMEs, there is a need to fully understand the nature of their operations so that
appropriate interventions can be put in place. This study assessed the status quo of operations
at selected MSMEs in Uganda. A semi-structured paper-based questionnaire was
administered to the owners, managers, or supervisors of 40 selected agro-processing MSMEs
enrolled under the project “Empowerment of the Agro-Processing Industry to meet the
Quantity and Quality Standards for the Local and Export Market”, a programme enhancing
the practical skills of students at Makerere University dubbed the “EAPI Project.” The
seven-section questionnaire consisted of both quantitative and qualitative questions focusing
on (i) product optimization, (ii) raw material verification and storage, (iii) good
manufacturing practices, (iv) measuring and testing equipment, (v) product assessment,
presentation, and storage, (vi) waste and pest management, and (vii) infrastructure and energy
utilization. The results indicated that only 23.7% of agro-processing MSMEs clearly
understood the standards. Packaging was the most optimized parameter (74.4%), followed by
texture and sensory properties (59% and 51.1%, respectively). About 74% of the
agro-processing MSMEs were compliant in declaring the raw materials on the product label.
Maintenance of valid medical certificates, routine inspection of personnel, and provision of
protective gear ranked low, with a score of 1 out of 10. Inadequate documentation was a
cross-cutting issue for all operations, yet it was a driver for GMPs. There is a need to
strengthen the understanding and practice of food processing standards from the Uganda
National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), in the agro-processing MSMEs through continuous
human and institutional-capacity development programs.
Description
Keywords
Agro-processing, Micro, Small, Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Product certification, Uganda
Citation
Kigozi, J., Baidhe, E., Mukisa, I. M., Muyanja, C., Namubiru, L., & Katarikawe, B. (2021). An Audit into the Nature of Operations of Agro-processing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda. Journal of Food Industry, 5(1), 1843-1843. http://dx.doi.org/10.5296/jfi.v5i1.19372