3.1.3 An overview of the existing situation of the Gasabo
District as the case study
The Gasabo District presents opportunities for economic
development which have not yet been exploited. Its geographical location
between the Kigali City and Lake river of Muhazi and the Gasabo plateau offers
abundant investment opportunities in agriculture, hotel and tourism sector and
has high potentiality for investment. Historical sites which form the cradle of
ancient Rwanda such as the four goddesses of Bumbogo, the foot imprints of the
legendary king Ruganzu at Jali, the vestiges of the royal palace on the hill of
Gasabo, the burial sites of princes are some of the unparalleled touristic
potentialities for investment. There is also the panoramic view of the plateau
overlooking Lake Muhazi. The District has trading centres scattered all over
Sectors and intermediary Centres which constitute points of attraction for
economic activities, small industries and crafts. Some mobile traders,
retailers and wholesalers need training and mobilisation to kick-start economic
development in the Sectors. To this effect, the role of foreign
aid in enhancing socio-economic development can not be
underestimated with a view to harness the potential growth development that may
seem inherent. The level of industrialisation remains low with only four
factories: UTEXRWA, RWACOM, Kabuye Sugar Works and SORWATOM operating in the
District. The development of this Sector shall move along with the development
of the industrial park which fulfils the environmental norms. (PDD, Gasabo
2007)
Below is the new administrative map of Gasabo District, showing
all the 15 sectors from which data were gathered for the purpose of this
study.
Figure 3.1: New administrative Map of Gasabo
District
In terms of demographic data the District has a population of
approximately 410 485 people. The study population was therefore extracted from
this approximate gross/total population of entire district.
3.1.4 Sources of Data
This study is principally guided by two major sources of data.
According to Howard and Sharp (1983) primary data refers to data which the
researcher gathers while secondary data is that data which is gathered by
others. In this regard the researcher will use information gathered from
interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions as primary data. In turn
the secondary sources include written organizational literature and published
books and journal articles on foreign-aid-development and MDGs nexus.
3.1.5 Types of data
The study relies on two types of data namely quantitative and
qualitative data. Dooley, (1995) argues that qualitative research refers to
sound research based on field observations analyzed without statistics.
Similarly, Nyawaranda (2004) maintains that qualitative research seeks in-depth
insights rather than statistical analysis. Interviews and focus group
discussions will provide the bulk of qualitative data. Sheila and Mwiria
(1995:42) say that quantitative research involves a research in which the
researchers «assume that behavior of humans like that of matter can be
objectively measured through the construction of appropriate research
instruments.» In this respect, questionnaires are designed to generate
objective responses from respondents. The bulk of calculable data will come
from questionnaires and statistical records from the organizations under
study.
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