Parish Development Model and the Socio-Economic Welfare of Households in Rwetango Sub-County, Isingiro District

Abstract

This study examined the effect of the Parish Development Model (PDM) on the socio-economic welfare of households in Rwetango Sub-county, Isingiro District, Uganda. Specifically, the study assessed the effect of PDM interventions on access to healthcare services, access to education services, and household food security. The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach using a cross-sectional research design. Quantitative data were collected from household beneficiaries using researcher-administered questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis using SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed thematically to complement and explain quantitative findings. The findings revealed that PDM had a positive and statistically significant effect on access to healthcare services (r = 0.62, p < 0.01; R² = 0.384), access to education services (r = 0.58, p < 0.01; R² = 0.336), and household food security (r = 0.66, p < 0.01; R² = 0.436). This study suggests that there is a need for strengthening PDM implementation, specifically through financial inclusion, agricultural productivity and value addition, and improved local infrastructure, which could enhance households’ ability to access healthcare and education services and improve food security, thereby contributing to broader socio-economic welfare. Qualitative findings further confirmed that PDM interventions improved access to agricultural inputs, extension services, community mobilisation, and awareness of social services. However, inadequate healthcare and education infrastructure, poverty, climate variability, and market-related challenges constrained the full realisation of PDM benefits. The study concludes that the Parish Development Model has made a positive contribution to improving household socio-economic welfare in Rwetango Sub-county. The study recommends strengthening coordination among PDM implementing actors, improving agricultural extension and climate-smart production support, and enhancing investment in rural health and education infrastructure. These measures would increase the sustainability and effectiveness of PDM interventions in improving household welfare outcomes.