Abstract.

In the context of implementing any developmental project, labour is a key factor and crucial resource that should be readily available for successful implementation of all activities. With Uganda’s agriculture defined by low farm mechanization, use of human/manual labour in form of casual workers is the ideal solution to perform field and farm activities with sericulture inclusive. Sericulture and moriculture are labour sensitive ventures that need timely and constant labour flow therefore a need to hire both temporary and permanent casual workers entitled to salaries, wages and/or allowances. Sericulture is one of the most profitable ventures that are growing steadily in Uganda, directly and indirectly employing people at different stages ranging from mulberry growing, silkworm rearing and silk processing with agriculture providing up to 90% employment opportunities to the population of Uganda. This study focused on assessing the contribution of sericulture towards uplifting the socio-economic status of casual workers employed at different Seri cultural research stations in Uganda. In all these activities, casual workers have shown resilience and performed their tasks and responsibilities timely amidst some challenges. This article endeavors to show how an agro-based venture like sericulture has improved the well-being and livelihood of casual workers, improved their socio-economic status and generally brought about sustainable development of individual households, village and the community at large.