Regulation and Economic Security Outcomes among Pineapple Growing Communities in Selected Districts in Central Uganda
Hilary Muheezangango, Charles Edaku, Peters Yiga
Nkumba University, Uganda
Email: h.muheeza14@gmail.com
Abstract: This study examines the relationship between regulatory frameworks and economic security outcomes among pineapple-growing communities in selected districts of Central Uganda. Drawing on institutional theory and value chain governance perspectives, the study explores how formal and informal rules, enforcement mechanisms, and compliance practices influence farmers’ livelihoods, including income stability, asset accumulation, and resilience. A cross-sectional research design was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 278 pineapple farmers using structured questionnaires, complemented by 9 key informant interviews and nine focus group discussions. Descriptive findings reveal that pineapple farming significantly contributes to household economic security, particularly in improving income, food security, access to healthcare, and education, although challenges such as price instability and limited risk mitigation persist. The results further show that regulatory frameworks are characterized by moderate awareness, weak enforcement, and uneven compliance. Correlation analysis indicates a strong and significant positive relationship between regulation mechanisms and economic security outcomes (r = 0.752, p < 0.001). Regression findings reveal that while overall regulation mechanisms significantly predicts economic security outcomes (β = 0.511, p < 0.001), compliance is the only statistically significant regulatory dimension (β = 0.416, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that regulation improves livelihoods primarily when farmers actively adhere to established standards and practices. The study concludes that strengthening enforcement systems, enhancing awareness, and promoting participatory compliance mechanisms are essential for translating regulatory frameworks into sustainable economic security outcomes among smallholder farmers.
