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Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research

Strategic Infrastructure Development and Market Access for Agricultural Businesses in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District

Authors: Dr Mategeko Betty

Journal: Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (MJAMR)

Volume/Issue: Volume 5 - Issue 2

Published: 01 Jan 1970


Abstract

Infrastructure development has been widely recognized as a foundational enabler of agricultural market access, particularly in rapidly urbanizing municipalities where the interface between rural production and urban consumption creates both opportunities and logistical challenges. In Uganda, inadequate infrastructure continued to constrain the ability of agricultural businesses to access markets efficiently, driving up transaction costs and reducing the competitiveness of smallholder and small business producers. In Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, one of Uganda's fastest-growing peri-urban areas, agricultural businesses operated in an environment characterized by poor road networks, inadequate storage facilities, unreliable market infrastructure, and limited access to digitalconnectivity. This study examined the relationship between strategic infrastructure development and market access for agricultural businesses in Nansana Municipality. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 128 respondents comprising agricultural business operators, municipal officials, and market administrators was selected through stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were used for data collection. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were applied to examine the relationship between strategic infrastructure development and market access. The findings revealed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between strategic infrastructure development and market access (r = 0.754, p < 0.05). Transport infrastructure (β = 0.447), storage and post-harvest infrastructure (β = 0.418), and market information infrastructure (β = 0.431) were each significant predictors of market access. Agricultural businesses operating in areas with better infrastructure development recorded higher market participation rates, lower transaction costs, and improved sales volumes. Strategic infrastructure development was a significant determinant of market access for agricultural businesses in Nansana Municipality. Businesses and areas with stronger infrastructure consistently demonstrated better market integration, higher sales performance, and reduced post-harvest losses. Nansana Municipal Council, the Wakiso District local government, and national infrastructure development agencies should prioritize targeted investment in transport networks, storage facilities, and digital market information systems to enhance market access for agricultural businesses in the municipality.
Keywords

Strategic infrastructure development, market access, agricultural businesses, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda, transport infrastructure, storage infrastructure, market information systems

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