Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Environmental Management and Poverty Reduction in Western Uganda.
Abstract
Globalization, characterized by greater economic, political and cultural integration and dependence,has been widely discussed and practiced in the last two decades. The study sought to investigate theimplications of globalization on the growth of SMEs in western Uganda, Particularly how globalization affectedthe productivity and innovation of SMEs in western Uganda. The researcher adopted a cross sectional studydesign. The Data was collected by the use of structured and closed ended questionnaire. The findings revealedthat businesses dealing in imported commodities are fast-growing and register tangible growth resultscompared to those dealing in locally manufactured commodities. Imported commodities seem not to suit theinterests of most Ugandans, perhaps because some are not durable. The study further established thatgovernment finds it very difficult to control all the commodities that enter the Ugandan market. The studytherefore recommends that Uganda Revenue Authority, under its Anti-Smuggling Unit, should ensure vigilanceat border points to reduce the inflow of unauthorized commodities which flood Ugandan market. The Ministryof Trade, Commerce and Industry should step out to protect local firms against competition from foreign producers, particularly those dealing in similar products. Government should lower interest rates through her fiscal and monetary policies to allow SMEs access credit at affordable rates. There is also need to examine the
extent to which Uganda’s membership to the East African Community boosts growth of SMEs since all the
member countries have almost similar competitive economic advantages.
Keywords:
Globalization, growth, SMEs, Western Uganda
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