The Impact of Social Innovation on Development: A Case Study of AFRIPADS in Masaka, Uganda.

Development is a multifaceted concept that cuts across most economies. All economies in the globe strive to create better environment for themselves working towards the goal of achieving development. The concept can be attributed to very many factors but this research will specifically focus on the role that Social innovations play in development. ‘Social innovation’ is a term that has become quite common in the recent years with some players viewing it as just a buzz word. However, some social scientists have managed to envision the value of this term especially in addressing social challenges. This study suggests a possible definition of social innovation and through a case study will show how the term impacts development. The case study is on a social innovation known as AFRIpads that seeks to address the challenge of girls and women inability to access sanitary pads leading to high rate of school dropout and productivity respectively. The innovation is a high quality and affordable reusable sanitary pad that can be used for a minimum of one year. This case study will focus on how AFRIpads social innovation has played a role in development of communities in Masaka, Uganda. The research incorporated primary data which was collected by use of questionnaires provided to 115 female respondents in Masaka District. Quantitative data collected was coded, processed and cleaned off any inconsistencies. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20) software was used to analyze the quantitative data using descriptive and inferential statistics. The relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable was established using multiple linear regression models. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis and results presented in verbatim. Findings were presented in the form of text, charts and tables. Findings revealed a positive correlation between the independent variables (Disposable income, educational and socio-economic impact) and dependent variable (development) ascertaining the relationship between social innovations and development.