Agro-Industrial Parks and Regional Integration: Opportunities for Inclusive Rural Development, The Ugandan Case

Abstract

This study investigates the role of agro-industrial parks (AIPs) in fostering inclusive rural development within the context of regional integration, focusing on the Ugandan case. As Uganda positions itself as a key player in the East African Community (EAC), agro-industrial parks are increasingly viewed as strategic instruments for accelerating rural transformation, reducing poverty, and promoting cross-border economic cooperation. The study was guided by two main objectives: To assess the contribution of agro-industrial parks to rural income generation and employment creation and to examine the extent to which agro-industrial parks enhance regional integration through cross-border trade and collaboration in the EAC. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 respondents, including farmers, agro-processors, local government officials, and park administrators from the Nwoya and Soroti agro-industrial parks. Data were collected through structured interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions. The findings revealed that agro-industrial parks significantly contribute to rural development by increasing household incomes, promoting agro-processing, and creating employment opportunities for youth and women. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, inadequate access to credit, and low levels of value addition persist. The study also found that AIPs facilitate regional integration by enabling cross-border trade of processed goods, strengthening value chain linkages across EAC borders, and attracting regional investors. The study concludes that agro-industrial parks hold great potential to drive inclusive rural development in Uganda if effectively supported.