Potential Benefits of the EAPI Agro-processing Skills Training Course on Micro, Small, and Medium Scale (MSMEs) Agro-processors in Uganda
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Food Industry
Abstract
Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda contribute significantly to
socio-economic growth and development. Several training programs have been organized to
upgrade the skills and competencies of personnel in these agro-processing enterprises but
these often lack a wholistic approach. An Empowerment of the Agro-Processing Industry
(EAPI) training was organised to include eight modules covering the key concepts necessary
for an agro-processor. These included; food process and value-chain management, product
optimization, national and international food standards, Good Management Practices (GMP)
and hygienic food processing, quality control, waste management, infrastructure development
for food production and food product marketing. This study assessed the potential benefits of
the EAPI training on 40 agro-processors from 40 selected agro-processing facilities. Upon
completion of a three-day skills development training, MSME practitioners were interviewed
using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive, scale, and thematic analysis were used in
the study. The questionnaire used was reliable (Cronbach’s coefficient alpha for relevancy =
0.873). Agro-processors found all modules relevant with an average score ranging between
8.7 and 9.5 on a scale of 10. Increase in knowledge, and interaction between stakeholders
were the most outstanding potential benefits of the training. Respondents anticipated
improving their operations after the training. Provision of handouts, increasing the number of
days for the training, and simplifying the language of delivery were some of the suggested
improvements. The study suggests that trainings of this nature could improve operations at
different agro-processing facilities.
Description
Keywords
Agro-processing, Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Training, Skills Development
Citation
Kigozi, J., Baidhe, E., Oluk, I., Mukisa, I. M., Muyanja, C., Namubiru, L., & Katarikawe, B. Potential Benefits of the EAPI Agro-processing Skills Training Course on Micro, Small, and Medium Scale (MSMEs) Agro-processors in Uganda. http://dx.doi.org/10.5296/jfi.v4i1.17917