1

The cultural political economy of The cultural political economy of embedding neoliberalism in embedding neoliberalism in

Uganda Uganda

An analysis of An analysis of changes in the relationships changes in the relationships and trade practices (moral economy) and trade practices (moral economy)

between farmers and traders in the era of between farmers and traders in the era of post-1986 economic liberalisation post-1986 economic liberalisation

Jörg Wiegratz (PhD researcher)Jörg Wiegratz (PhD researcher)University of Sheffield, Department of University of Sheffield, Department of

PoliticsPolitics

Preliminary findings of field research Preliminary findings of field research presentation given in Kampala/Sheffield presentation given in Kampala/Sheffield

(April/May 2009)(April/May 2009)JW, 10/5/09

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Personal background - research Personal background - research interestsinterests

Academic interests include: Academic interests include: Political economy & economic sociology of Political economy & economic sociology of

‘markets’ ‘markets’ Neoliberalism, (liberal-)capitalist society, Neoliberalism, (liberal-)capitalist society,

moral economymoral economy Value chains, human resource developmentValue chains, human resource development

Prior to PhD: for three years consultant & Prior to PhD: for three years consultant & researcher on economic developmentresearcher on economic development topics in topics in Uganda Uganda

Studies on human resource development (skills, Studies on human resource development (skills, training) and value chain governance training) and value chain governance

See University of Sheffield website for See University of Sheffield website for downloads: downloads: www.shef.ac.uk/politics/research/phd/jwiegratz.htmlwww.shef.ac.uk/politics/research/phd/jwiegratz.html

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What do we know about the economy What do we know about the economy & markets, economic actors, their & markets, economic actors, their

relationships & exchange?relationships & exchange? How do ‘real markets’ operate? How do ‘real markets’ operate? What makes markets work? What makes markets work?

What characterizes inter-actor What characterizes inter-actor relationships in markets? relationships in markets?

What motivates and shapes economic What motivates and shapes economic action?action?

Are markets arenas of moral norms? Are markets arenas of moral norms? Are economic actors moral beings?Are economic actors moral beings?

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Background to Background to PhD studyPhD study

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Prior note: the problem with mainstream Prior note: the problem with mainstream economicseconomics

MostMost mainstream economists: (1) don’t study concrete/real mainstream economists: (1) don’t study concrete/real markets & market actors (empirical markets & market actors (empirical constitution/functioning of markets), and (2) don’t ‘go to constitution/functioning of markets), and (2) don’t ‘go to the field’ (little qualitative research, interviews with and the field’ (little qualitative research, interviews with and observations of market actors/markets)observations of market actors/markets)

But ‘perfect’ (neoclassical) But ‘perfect’ (neoclassical) models models of economy/exchange of economy/exchange (especially U.S. based/inspired economics)(especially U.S. based/inspired economics) Abstractions, postulates, study of logics, Abstractions, postulates, study of logics, mathematicalmathematical

(not empirical) proofs, equilibrium theory(not empirical) proofs, equilibrium theory

Hence, relatively poor empirical understanding of Hence, relatively poor empirical understanding of markets/ actors, including reality of markets/ actors, including reality of real market real market incidencesincidences, market interactions, or ‘business culture’ ( & , market interactions, or ‘business culture’ ( & what shapes the latter)what shapes the latter)

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Business culture in Uganda? Relationships Business culture in Uganda? Relationships and behaviour (not just price & quality of and behaviour (not just price & quality of

product) matter in tradeproduct) matter in trade Studies on value chain governance (Wiegratz et al. 2007a, Studies on value chain governance (Wiegratz et al. 2007a, 2007b):2007b): Ugandan exporters & European importers (study 1)Ugandan exporters & European importers (study 1) Ugandan farmers & buyers (traders/processors) (study 2)Ugandan farmers & buyers (traders/processors) (study 2)

Among main findings of study 1: Among main findings of study 1: Actors’ behaviour in inter-actor/firm relations Actors’ behaviour in inter-actor/firm relations varies & varies &

mattersmatters It matters what kind of buyer one has (and vice versa)It matters what kind of buyer one has (and vice versa) From perspective of Ugandan exporters, importance of From perspective of Ugandan exporters, importance of

soft competitiveness factorssoft competitiveness factors (SCFs: trust, (SCFs: trust, communication, learning, loyalty, patience…)communication, learning, loyalty, patience…), besides , besides hard CFs (price, logistics, quality)hard CFs (price, logistics, quality)

Malpractices on both sides (Ugandan & European Malpractices on both sides (Ugandan & European actors); policy makers hardly address these ‘risk issues’actors); policy makers hardly address these ‘risk issues’

Nature and forms of inter-actor relationships (including Nature and forms of inter-actor relationships (including ‘business culture’) in export trade matter for local ‘business culture’) in export trade matter for local economic development in Ugandaeconomic development in Uganda

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Farmer-buyers relationships, Farmer-buyers relationships, study 2study 2

Problems in farmers-traders-relations in agro sectors (on-off, Problems in farmers-traders-relations in agro sectors (on-off, opportunism, low mutual trust, mistrust, malpractices) opportunism, low mutual trust, mistrust, malpractices)

Yet also some more positive relationship examples; some Yet also some more positive relationship examples; some actors try to establish more long-term, stable and actors try to establish more long-term, stable and cooperative forms of economic relationships with business cooperative forms of economic relationships with business partners partners But difficult undertaking in Ugandan context, low trust But difficult undertaking in Ugandan context, low trust

atmosphere and related expectations re action motivationsatmosphere and related expectations re action motivations

Farmers benefit from ‘developmental buyers’ (yet minority Farmers benefit from ‘developmental buyers’ (yet minority case): case): Training, price, demand stability, increased business volume, Training, price, demand stability, increased business volume,

technology & knowledge transfer, better agro-practices, technology & knowledge transfer, better agro-practices, various kinds of assistance, more trust-based (and at times various kinds of assistance, more trust-based (and at times partnership-like) relationships, motivation, learning by partnership-like) relationships, motivation, learning by repetition, lower level of malpractices (if any) in particular repetition, lower level of malpractices (if any) in particular cases, joint business projectscases, joint business projects

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Is there a relationship crisis Is there a relationship crisis in in parts parts of the agricultural economy of the agricultural economy

in Uganda?in Uganda? The few existing studies (BSMD studies, van The few existing studies (BSMD studies, van

Bussel, Asiimwe, Wiegratz et al.) point to Bussel, Asiimwe, Wiegratz et al.) point to incidences of:incidences of: SShort term oriented action, hort term oriented action, on-off/unstable on-off/unstable

market relations, opportunism, lmarket relations, opportunism, low mutual trust, ow mutual trust, weak inter-personal relationships and weak inter-personal relationships and cooperation patternscooperation patterns

‘‘Confused’ norm and behavioural expectations Confused’ norm and behavioural expectations Actors facing Actors facing high behavioural uncertainties high behavioural uncertainties

(risk of defecting business partner) (risk of defecting business partner) DishonestyDishonesty,, deception, malpractices (farmers, deception, malpractices (farmers,

traders/ middlemen, processors involved)traders/ middlemen, processors involved) Injustices & inequalities, exploitation of weaker Injustices & inequalities, exploitation of weaker

economic actors (farmers, workers, etc.) economic actors (farmers, workers, etc.) The above: problem for the economy and its The above: problem for the economy and its

actors!?actors!? 8JW, 10/5/09

Relationship crisis in the economy? Relationship crisis in the economy? Society-wide problems (social, Society-wide problems (social, cultural, economic, political)?cultural, economic, political)?

Pointing to a larger crisis in society?Pointing to a larger crisis in society? Related Related to wider economic, social, cultural, political to wider economic, social, cultural, political trends?trends? Colonial/post-colonial period of (partly Colonial/post-colonial period of (partly

unresolved) conflicts and transformationsunresolved) conflicts and transformations History of ‘problematic’ business practicesHistory of ‘problematic’ business practices Post-1986 reforms: liberalisation & Post-1986 reforms: liberalisation &

privatisation of economy and privatisation of economy and commercialisation of society commercialisation of society

Impact of: economic pressures & poverty, Impact of: economic pressures & poverty, trends of global capitalist economy & trends of global capitalist economy & foreign influenceforeign influence

Corruption in political & other sub-systemsCorruption in political & other sub-systems9JW, 10/5/09

Motivation of the PhD studyMotivation of the PhD study

Empirical problem: often poor relations between Empirical problem: often poor relations between farmers and traders, yet, also few examples of farmers and traders, yet, also few examples of better relations (trust, cooperation, communication, better relations (trust, cooperation, communication, fairness)fairness) How can we understand and explain this empirical How can we understand and explain this empirical

situation? What’s ‘the problem’ with some of the situation? What’s ‘the problem’ with some of the inter-actor relations and practices in the Ugandan inter-actor relations and practices in the Ugandan economy? economy?

What is the (cultural) political economy dimension? What is the (cultural) political economy dimension? Characteristics, trends, explanations, implications?Characteristics, trends, explanations, implications?

Scarce literature on social, cultural, cognitive, Scarce literature on social, cultural, cognitive, political embeddedness of markets, actors, political embeddedness of markets, actors, practices in post-1986 Uganda (since ruling regime, practices in post-1986 Uganda (since ruling regime, NRM, took over power after a period of civil war)NRM, took over power after a period of civil war)

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Study focus: Study focus: has liberalisation reshaped has liberalisation reshaped moral economy, e.g. shifted moral moral economy, e.g. shifted moral

norms? If yes, norms? If yes, howhow?? Econ liberalisation reforms (& other liberal Econ liberalisation reforms (& other liberal

reforms; ‘cultural programmes’ to reshape reforms; ‘cultural programmes’ to reshape people/society)people/society)

Culture (e.g. social values, moral norms of Culture (e.g. social values, moral norms of behaving, acceptable/inacceptable practices in behaving, acceptable/inacceptable practices in the economy)the economy)

Farmers-traders relationships Farmers-traders relationships (FTRs)(FTRs) and and practicespractices

PoliticsPolitics Cultural Political EconomyCultural Political Economy

CultureCulture EconomyEconomy 11JW, 10/5/09

Moral economy analysisMoral economy analysis The study of the moral order of an economy (e.g. The study of the moral order of an economy (e.g.

rights, entitlements, duties, responsibilities, social rights, entitlements, duties, responsibilities, social relations etc.) relations etc.) & attempts to change that order (& tensions, & attempts to change that order (& tensions,

‘protests’)‘protests’)

Economy Set of (changing) moral norms Economy Set of (changing) moral norms

Dynamics of moral norms & moral action in an Dynamics of moral norms & moral action in an economy: e.g. shifts in what is regarded economy: e.g. shifts in what is regarded acceptable/inacceptable, proper/improper behaviouracceptable/inacceptable, proper/improper behaviour

Four components of moral action: Four components of moral action: moral sensitivity, moral sensitivity, moral judgement, moral motivation, moral charactermoral judgement, moral motivation, moral character

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The study of business culture The study of business culture (BC)(BC)

Norms, rules, values, beliefs, conventions, attitudes, Norms, rules, values, beliefs, conventions, attitudes, cognitive frames, action dispositions & cognitive frames, action dispositions & practicespractices E.g. trade practices, ... which are shaped by norms etc.E.g. trade practices, ... which are shaped by norms etc. Study focus: Norms, values, practices (NVPs) in rural Study focus: Norms, values, practices (NVPs) in rural

tradetrade

Inter-actor relationships & actors’ behaviour thereinInter-actor relationships & actors’ behaviour therein Embedded in political, cultural, social, cognitive Embedded in political, cultural, social, cognitive

contextcontext

Shaped by prevailing social institutions (e.g. NVs) in Shaped by prevailing social institutions (e.g. NVs) in a society, which, in turn, mirror the prevailing a society, which, in turn, mirror the prevailing political orientation (e.g. distribution of power) in political orientation (e.g. distribution of power) in that societythat society

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Embedding neoliberal business Embedding neoliberal business culture in Uganda?culture in Uganda?

Neoliberalism: acts of social engineering to create a Neoliberalism: acts of social engineering to create a ‘market society’ (deepened capitalist social relations)‘market society’ (deepened capitalist social relations)

Imposing (i) a market-based, market-conforming Imposing (i) a market-based, market-conforming thinking, rationalizing, feeling and behaving of thinking, rationalizing, feeling and behaving of economic actors, (ii) (unrestrained) self-interest as economic actors, (ii) (unrestrained) self-interest as sole market coordination devicesole market coordination device

Cultural conditioning of individuals (habits of Cultural conditioning of individuals (habits of thought & habits of action) according to imperatives thought & habits of action) according to imperatives of accumulation through specific socialization of accumulation through specific socialization Based on neoclassical Homo economicus (HE) Based on neoclassical Homo economicus (HE)

assumptions; assumes HE characteristics are immanent assumptions; assumes HE characteristics are immanent in all human beings across societies, and only need to be in all human beings across societies, and only need to be freed by neoliberal reforms freed by neoliberal reforms

In practice: In practice: ‘crowding out’ & overwriting (putting under ‘crowding out’ & overwriting (putting under pressure) of prevailing other norms/motives for and pressure) of prevailing other norms/motives for and practices (e.g. customs) of action and inter-personal practices (e.g. customs) of action and inter-personal relations in economy & societyrelations in economy & society

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The neoclassical actor model: Homo The neoclassical actor model: Homo economicus (HE) economicus (HE)

Economists’ construction of ‘the economy’ as a Economists’ construction of ‘the economy’ as a separate sphere of society: economy has its own separate sphere of society: economy has its own laws, operational logics, human agency conception, laws, operational logics, human agency conception, and is and is independentindependent from social institutions including from social institutions including moral considerationsmoral considerations

All actors behave more or less the same (in the All actors behave more or less the same (in the ‘model world’, HE); their ‘model world’, HE); their actions are characterized actions are characterized by: by: Instrumental rationality, material self-interest, self-regard, Instrumental rationality, material self-interest, self-regard,

instinctive gain making, acquisitiveness, atomism, instinctive gain making, acquisitiveness, atomism, autonomous utility maximization (ever optimization, ever autonomous utility maximization (ever optimization, ever more profits), opportunism (including, if it serves self-more profits), opportunism (including, if it serves self-interest, ruthlessly violating interest of exchange partner in interest, ruthlessly violating interest of exchange partner in process of seeking own advantage), ‘self-interest seeking process of seeking own advantage), ‘self-interest seeking with guile’ (Williamson), indifference towards trading with guile’ (Williamson), indifference towards trading partner (‘separative self’: neither empathic nor emotionally partner (‘separative self’: neither empathic nor emotionally connected with ‘the other’ in trade exchange moment) connected with ‘the other’ in trade exchange moment) 15JW, 10/5/09

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All just self interest?! Adam All just self interest?! Adam Smith ISmith I

Standard model: Standard model: anonymousanonymous (‘freed’...) actors (‘freed’...) actors facing ‘demand and supply’, on-off facing ‘demand and supply’, on-off transactions, self-interest maximisationtransactions, self-interest maximisation

Neoclassical (neoliberal) notions of market Neoclassical (neoliberal) notions of market actors’ behaviour and coordination of market actors’ behaviour and coordination of market exchange draw upon Smith’s argument of exchange draw upon Smith’s argument of materialmaterial self-interestself-interest (and the related ‘invisible (and the related ‘invisible hand’) hand’) as as sole market coordination devicesole market coordination device

Pursuit of individual gains (at whatever costs Pursuit of individual gains (at whatever costs to others, by any means) elevated to be the to others, by any means) elevated to be the fundamental fundamental organizingorganizing and and moral moral principle of principle of economic life in liberal-capitalist economieseconomic life in liberal-capitalist economies

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Neoliberal business culture, Neoliberal business culture, cont.cont.

Assumes self-interest based business culture Assumes self-interest based business culture bestbest, (and , (and sufficientsufficient) for markets/economic development & best ) for markets/economic development & best to to ensure maximum social (society) and individual welfareensure maximum social (society) and individual welfare

(Unrestrained) self-interest at the core of neoliberal BC (Unrestrained) self-interest at the core of neoliberal BC Individualism, self interest, efficiency, individual Individualism, self interest, efficiency, individual

utility maximization, getting rich etc. as utility maximization, getting rich etc. as norms for allnorms for all action, behaviour and relationships in the economyaction, behaviour and relationships in the economy

Moral code of neoliberal BC:Moral code of neoliberal BC: maximising your own maximising your own welfare (without regard to consequences for others) welfare (without regard to consequences for others) automatically maximises society’s welfare (e.g. Smith’s automatically maximises society’s welfare (e.g. Smith’s ‘hidden hand’); ‘hidden hand’);

Neoliberal morality in general: Neoliberal morality in general: individual freedom individual freedom (negative morality: free from state interference, control (negative morality: free from state interference, control & oppression; moral duty not to interfere with the & oppression; moral duty not to interfere with the rights of others), individual choice, property rights and rights of others), individual choice, property rights and protection thereofprotection thereof 17

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Freeing the market from (other) Freeing the market from (other) moral normsmoral norms

Left out: Morality based motivations & concerns such as Left out: Morality based motivations & concerns such as propriety, fellow feeling, empathy, other-regard, acting propriety, fellow feeling, empathy, other-regard, acting justly/fairly/ honestly, justly/fairly/ honestly, avoidance of (unnecessary) harm to avoidance of (unnecessary) harm to ‘the other’, ‘the other’, reciprocity, altruism, mutual recognition & reciprocity, altruism, mutual recognition & respectrespect

For economists, moral norms & concerns (that regulate For economists, moral norms & concerns (that regulate behaviour, restrain the pursuit of self interest/profit behaviour, restrain the pursuit of self interest/profit making, etc.) are making, etc.) are restrictions/obstacles restrictions/obstacles to proper market to proper market dynamics, expansion and efficiency (... rather than dynamics, expansion and efficiency (... rather than necessary preconditions for a ‘stable market economy’ necessary preconditions for a ‘stable market economy’ and a ‘sustainable/good society’)and a ‘sustainable/good society’)

Note:Note: Pursuing Pursuing (unrestrained) self-interest (unrestrained) self-interest also also fundamental principle of behaviour & relationships in fundamental principle of behaviour & relationships in non-economic realms of neoliberal(ising) society; such non-economic realms of neoliberal(ising) society; such societies are increasingly organised around market societies are increasingly organised around market principles and market-type relationshipsprinciples and market-type relationships

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Moral dimension of Moral dimension of markets?!markets?!

‘‘Rediscovery’ of Smith’s arguments (Smith II) Rediscovery’ of Smith’s arguments (Smith II) about the moral preconditions of stable about the moral preconditions of stable markets/economies by some contemporary markets/economies by some contemporary scholars scholars

Moral dimension of Moral dimension of allall economic actioneconomic action: : Economic actorsEconomic actors are socially situated moral are socially situated moral agents. agents. AllAll economieseconomies are moral economies. are moral economies.

Note on moral codesNote on moral codes: : What is What is regardedregarded as as responsible/ irresponsible, good/bad, responsible/ irresponsible, good/bad, acceptable/unacceptable, proper/improper, acceptable/unacceptable, proper/improper, allowed/prohibited, decent/indecent, praiseworthy/ allowed/prohibited, decent/indecent, praiseworthy/ blameworthy behaviour in a given society/location in blameworthy behaviour in a given society/location in light of moral principles of fairness, justice, propriety, light of moral principles of fairness, justice, propriety, care/solidarity; care/solidarity; standards of interaction standards of interaction concerning concerning others’ welfare, norms: socially constituted reasons others’ welfare, norms: socially constituted reasons for actionsfor actions

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Moving away from Moving away from (mainstream) economics we (mainstream) economics we find that ...find that ...

... other branches of social ... other branches of social sciences conceptualise sciences conceptualise markets, market actors and markets, market actors and relationships differently...relationships differently...

20JW, 10/5/09

Economies, markets, economic Economies, markets, economic actors and relationships are actors and relationships are

embedded (constituted)embedded (constituted) Cognitively Cognitively Socially (power, class, gender, age)Socially (power, class, gender, age) Culturally (e.g., normatively/morally) Culturally (e.g., normatively/morally) Politically (history, power, interests, Politically (history, power, interests,

tensions/contestations, struggle, global/local tensions/contestations, struggle, global/local discourse, transformational project of ruling elite, discourse, transformational project of ruling elite, foreign/domestic actors) foreign/domestic actors)

Hence, study of embeddedness (or, constitution & Hence, study of embeddedness (or, constitution & context) of markets/economic actors required context) of markets/economic actors required

Markets: arenas of social relations & interaction Markets: arenas of social relations & interaction between human beings (moral norms shape between human beings (moral norms shape relations & interactions) relations & interactions) 21

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Neoliberal BC in Uganda: the Neoliberal BC in Uganda: the policy side policy side

History of BC: Colonial economy, cooperatives, post-colonial History of BC: Colonial economy, cooperatives, post-colonial economy, move to the left, expulsion of the Indians, economy, move to the left, expulsion of the Indians, magendo (smuggling), profiteering, political turmoil, magendo (smuggling), profiteering, political turmoil, corruption, enriching schemes of parts of elite, cooperatives corruption, enriching schemes of parts of elite, cooperatives crisis...; in short: some degree of malpractices & crisis...; in short: some degree of malpractices & ‘relationship problems’ also pre-1986 ‘relationship problems’ also pre-1986

State marketing boards in export sectors, less state in food State marketing boards in export sectors, less state in food tradetrade

Since 1990s: GOU Since 1990s: GOU && donors applied liberal policy mix donors applied liberal policy mix State marketing structures dismantled, privatization, State marketing structures dismantled, privatization,

deregulation of marketsderegulation of markets, , hands-off approachhands-off approach, , largely largely unrestrained profit makingunrestrained profit making, freeing of markets, ‘laws’ of , freeing of markets, ‘laws’ of demand & supply, private sector led growth, enabling demand & supply, private sector led growth, enabling environment environment

Believe in Believe in progressiveprogressive forces of private sector, forces of private sector, healthyhealthy effects effects of of competitioncompetition, AND neoclassical market models, AND neoclassical market models

Cultural & behavioural reform dimension hardly discussed Cultural & behavioural reform dimension hardly discussed 22JW, 10/5/09

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SO?!SO?!

Liberalisation & Farmers-traders- Liberalisation & Farmers-traders-relationships (FTRs) & moral relationships (FTRs) & moral

economy economy

Findings from interviews in Kampala Findings from interviews in Kampala (mainly expert interviews) & in the (mainly expert interviews) & in the Eastern region of Bugisu (farmers, Eastern region of Bugisu (farmers,

traders, experts)traders, experts)

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Background: interviews Background: interviews Around 50 elite interviews (officials from state & Around 50 elite interviews (officials from state &

donor agencies, NGOs & associations, journalists, donor agencies, NGOs & associations, journalists, academicians, religious leaders, elders, academicians, religious leaders, elders, observers...)observers...)

Interviews with together around 150 small holder Interviews with together around 150 small holder farmers and traders (guided and random farmers and traders (guided and random selection)selection)

From across the agricultural sectors (maize, From across the agricultural sectors (maize, coffee, tomatoes, grains, cotton, etc.)coffee, tomatoes, grains, cotton, etc.)

Detailed sector specifics not so relevant, Detailed sector specifics not so relevant, important to shed light on moral economy trends important to shed light on moral economy trends in generalin general

Exploratory study (new area, maybe the first Exploratory study (new area, maybe the first study on moral economy in post-1986 Uganda)study on moral economy in post-1986 Uganda) 24

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Findings based on qualitative Findings based on qualitative researchresearch

Interviewees’ subjective views/perceptions, Interviewees’ subjective views/perceptions, their experiences, interpretations & sense their experiences, interpretations & sense making of trends in liberalised economy making of trends in liberalised economy

Moral truthsMoral truths

Some economists might dismiss this Some economists might dismiss this collection of peoples’ views as: ‘rumours collection of peoples’ views as: ‘rumours from the village’ (prominent World Bank from the village’ (prominent World Bank advisor about results of qualitative poverty advisor about results of qualitative poverty research in Uganda, as recalled by research in Uganda, as recalled by interviewee)interviewee)

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Interviews centred around Interviews centred around questions like:questions like:

What is your view on relationships and What is your view on relationships and practices between farmers and traders in practices between farmers and traders in liberalisation era?liberalisation era?

How do the characteristics compare with How do the characteristics compare with the pre-liberalisation era?the pre-liberalisation era?

Discussion about related changes in moral Discussion about related changes in moral order of & moral action in economy?order of & moral action in economy?

Critical incidencesCritical incidences Role of different actorsRole of different actors Detailed processes & reasons & Detailed processes & reasons &

implications of trendsimplications of trends Etc.Etc. 26JW, 10/5/09

Interviews with state officials, Interviews with state officials, ExamplesExamples

Say/claim: cooperatives were bad, competition is goodSay/claim: cooperatives were bad, competition is good Post-liberalisation: more traders, thus, farmers have a Post-liberalisation: more traders, thus, farmers have a

choice where/to whom to sell; better prices for farmerschoice where/to whom to sell; better prices for farmers Cash payment (instead of promissory notes from coop.)Cash payment (instead of promissory notes from coop.) Emphasize ‘willing buyer-willing seller’ principleEmphasize ‘willing buyer-willing seller’ principle Farmers get higher share of export price, claim is Farmers get higher share of export price, claim is

backed-up by backed-up by oneone (!) coffee sector statistic from mid (!) coffee sector statistic from mid 1990s1990s

Farmers’ prices might be low at times, but improved price Farmers’ prices might be low at times, but improved price information flow (via radio, mobile phone, newspaper) will information flow (via radio, mobile phone, newspaper) will solve (almost) everything re prices for farmerssolve (almost) everything re prices for farmers

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Examples: state officials’ views, Examples: state officials’ views, cont. cont.

Usually estimate that 2-3 out of 10 traders are engaged in Usually estimate that 2-3 out of 10 traders are engaged in malpractices (to state officials: malpractices is a small malpractices (to state officials: malpractices is a small problem)problem)

Some interviewees critical of neoliberal realities (drop in Some interviewees critical of neoliberal realities (drop in produce quality and morals, business practices, low produce quality and morals, business practices, low farmers’ benefits, middlemen, donors’ influence & farmers’ benefits, middlemen, donors’ influence & persistence on neoliberal reforms)persistence on neoliberal reforms)

Examples of statements from interviewees:Examples of statements from interviewees: ‘‘We have liberalised... we cannot intervene in business We have liberalised... we cannot intervene in business

relations’.relations’. Aren’t malpractices (e.g., related to price negotiation) harming Aren’t malpractices (e.g., related to price negotiation) harming

small holder farmers? ‘This is business’.small holder farmers? ‘This is business’. ‘‘[Business is very informal in Uganda.] These are gentlemen’s [Business is very informal in Uganda.] These are gentlemen’s

agreement. What do you want government to do? Government agreement. What do you want government to do? Government can only advice people to improve their business practices’.can only advice people to improve their business practices’.

‘‘[If the very poor, remote, isolated, uninformed farmers] cannot [If the very poor, remote, isolated, uninformed farmers] cannot cope with new market environment, they should die and go to cope with new market environment, they should die and go to heaven... They should just continue with their livelihood heaven... They should just continue with their livelihood strategies’.strategies’.

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Examples: officials from Examples: officials from donors/foreign NGOsdonors/foreign NGOs

Attitude: Don’t problematise behaviour of tradersAttitude: Don’t problematise behaviour of traders Some interviewees talk about need for better FTRs, Some interviewees talk about need for better FTRs,

and say farmers have to improve on this & that, and say farmers have to improve on this & that, BUT show little concern to improve traders’ BUT show little concern to improve traders’ behaviour (e.g. increase traders’ accountability for behaviour (e.g. increase traders’ accountability for practices, regulate traders’ beh.)practices, regulate traders’ beh.)

‘‘Don’t touch the traders’-attitude (read: let them Don’t touch the traders’-attitude (read: let them continue making profits in unrestrained way)continue making profits in unrestrained way)

World Bank official: in talks with government, it is World Bank official: in talks with government, it is taboo to talk about dark/dirty side of (behavioural taboo to talk about dark/dirty side of (behavioural problems in) private sector - that would undermine problems in) private sector - that would undermine efforts to convince gov. to give more space to efforts to convince gov. to give more space to private sector; yet official admits: open markets are private sector; yet official admits: open markets are ‘messy’ (competition practices) & behaviour of ‘messy’ (competition practices) & behaviour of many econ actors in Uganda problematicmany econ actors in Uganda problematic 29

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Donors & foreign NGOs, Donors & foreign NGOs, cont.cont.

Belief/assumption: if markets grow, farmers will Belief/assumption: if markets grow, farmers will automaticallyautomatically (and (and sufficientlysufficiently) benefit; demand↑/price↑, ) benefit; demand↑/price↑, e.g. S. Sudan boome.g. S. Sudan boom

Trust problems because of e.g.: (i) attitudes (NGO Trust problems because of e.g.: (i) attitudes (NGO official), (ii) geography (EU official: good natural official), (ii) geography (EU official: good natural conditions in Uganda - hence, too easy to make a living, conditions in Uganda - hence, too easy to make a living, and no need for cooperation among people to survive, and no need for cooperation among people to survive, different from e.g. Ethiopia)different from e.g. Ethiopia)

Talk about equitable markets, increasing farmers’ Talk about equitable markets, increasing farmers’ benefits, win-win market constellations, everybody should benefits, win-win market constellations, everybody should benefit ... benefit ...

But respondents are ‘weak’ when asked But respondents are ‘weak’ when asked howhow they think they think improved FTRs, equitable markets etc. can be achieved improved FTRs, equitable markets etc. can be achieved on broad base in the country, given political-economic on broad base in the country, given political-economic realities/interests of beneficiaries/promoters of status quo realities/interests of beneficiaries/promoters of status quo

Poor understanding of deeper reasons for FTRs problemsPoor understanding of deeper reasons for FTRs problems30JW, 10/5/09

Almost no one...Almost no one... Has substantial data, case studies, analytical insights Has substantial data, case studies, analytical insights

into realities of FTRs and trade practices into realities of FTRs and trade practices Neither state, donors, NGOs (& academic community)Neither state, donors, NGOs (& academic community) Interviewees from these groups typically rely on few Interviewees from these groups typically rely on few

anecdotes/casual observations when they talk about anecdotes/casual observations when they talk about FTRsFTRs

Claims about functioning of real markets & FTRs, and Claims about functioning of real markets & FTRs, and benefits of liberal (rural) markets to benefits of liberal (rural) markets to smallholdersmallholder farmers farmers (& rural communities) hardly backed by empirical (& rural communities) hardly backed by empirical insightsinsights

Researcher wonders: Poverty reduction efforts in absence of Researcher wonders: Poverty reduction efforts in absence of empirical understanding of FTR realities? Isn’t it like empirical understanding of FTR realities? Isn’t it like expressing interest in child development but not studying and expressing interest in child development but not studying and addressing child-parents-relationship? Outside the addressing child-parents-relationship? Outside the cooperatives system: farmer gets money from cooperatives system: farmer gets money from trader/middlemen. This relationship and its workings/practices trader/middlemen. This relationship and its workings/practices need to be understood/addressed. need to be understood/addressed.

31JW, 10/5/09

ExamplesExamples from talks with from talks with traders/middlementraders/middlemen

A lot of interview time spent on details of malpractices...A lot of interview time spent on details of malpractices... Malpractices regarding price information (e.g. cartel-like), Malpractices regarding price information (e.g. cartel-like),

weighing scale, quality measurement, payment tricks, theftweighing scale, quality measurement, payment tricks, theft Malpractices at times rise/mutate with increase in product demand Malpractices at times rise/mutate with increase in product demand

(e.g. coffee boom, Southern Sudan boom) (e.g. coffee boom, Southern Sudan boom) Cover up methods by actors (threats, coercion, bribes, etc.)Cover up methods by actors (threats, coercion, bribes, etc.) Chain of cheating:Chain of cheating: larger buyers → smaller buyers → larger buyers → smaller buyers →

middlemen/agents → farmers, and the other way around; middlemen/agents → farmers, and the other way around; liberalisation period malpractices mainly started by liberalisation period malpractices mainly started by buyers/traders/MM (not farmers)buyers/traders/MM (not farmers)

Exporters don’t really control practices of their agents (e.g. to limit Exporters don’t really control practices of their agents (e.g. to limit abuse of MM-power), claim not possible due to competition for abuse of MM-power), claim not possible due to competition for produceproduce

Malpractice-related losses: threat to existence of actors & firms Malpractice-related losses: threat to existence of actors & firms (coffee sector severely hit by malpractices in some seasons, (coffee sector severely hit by malpractices in some seasons, bankruptcy cases)bankruptcy cases)

Uncertainty for all & repeated bitterness for ones on losing endUncertainty for all & repeated bitterness for ones on losing end Malpractices in rural trade hardly regulated effectively by relevant Malpractices in rural trade hardly regulated effectively by relevant

authorities (district, Uganda National Bureau of Standards, etc.)authorities (district, Uganda National Bureau of Standards, etc.) 32JW, 10/5/09

Rise of brokers in Rise of brokers in rural & rural & (semi)urban markets(semi)urban markets

Outcome of e.g. unemployment/lack of economic alternatives Outcome of e.g. unemployment/lack of economic alternatives Operate between farmers & traders/processors, of young age Operate between farmers & traders/processors, of young age Often ‘charge’ high broker ‘fees’, ‘sharp’, pay prices according Often ‘charge’ high broker ‘fees’, ‘sharp’, pay prices according

to ‘ignorance, stupidity, desperation’ of farmers (different to ‘ignorance, stupidity, desperation’ of farmers (different from economists’ standard model of demand & supply)from economists’ standard model of demand & supply)

Have social power, also use coercion & harassment to gain & Have social power, also use coercion & harassment to gain & defend position in surplus extraction chain (to make their cut)defend position in surplus extraction chain (to make their cut) Case where farmers don’t know how to confront aggressive Case where farmers don’t know how to confront aggressive

brokers in rural market who don’t allow farmers to sell directly to brokers in rural market who don’t allow farmers to sell directly to buyersbuyers

‘‘Career shifts’: two cases of brokers who reduced/abandoned Career shifts’: two cases of brokers who reduced/abandoned malpractices, e.g. stopped being brokers (and became malpractices, e.g. stopped being brokers (and became ordinary traders/businessmen) because they perceived it too ordinary traders/businessmen) because they perceived it too risky/criminal and immoral, moral impact of concerned wives risky/criminal and immoral, moral impact of concerned wives & community members, reformed actors live happier and & community members, reformed actors live happier and more peaceful life and became community role modelsmore peaceful life and became community role models

33JW, 10/5/09

Traders & MM, cont.Traders & MM, cont. Rural trading centre of millers: after period of malpractices Rural trading centre of millers: after period of malpractices

(consequent decline in customer base), changed towards more (consequent decline in customer base), changed towards more honesty/fairness-based BC (to regain: reputation, customers, moral honesty/fairness-based BC (to regain: reputation, customers, moral well-being)well-being)

Case of a MM (also a farmer) who always takes only 50Ush fee (fair)Case of a MM (also a farmer) who always takes only 50Ush fee (fair) Some MM: say that they cheat due to pressing poverty problems Some MM: say that they cheat due to pressing poverty problems MM are (i) quite regularly ill-treated (e.g. on quality assessment, MM are (i) quite regularly ill-treated (e.g. on quality assessment,

prices) by larger buyers (e.g. coffee exporters) to whom they sell, (ii) prices) by larger buyers (e.g. coffee exporters) to whom they sell, (ii) at times robbed of their cash by thieves on way home from trading at times robbed of their cash by thieves on way home from trading centre, etc. centre, etc.

Worried about trends in business practices & morality, their economic Worried about trends in business practices & morality, their economic future, & politics in country; some consider to go back to village & future, & politics in country; some consider to go back to village & ‘retire’ (give up) because of economic difficulties in MM/traders’ life‘retire’ (give up) because of economic difficulties in MM/traders’ life

Female traders find prevailing business culture worrying (various Female traders find prevailing business culture worrying (various coping mechanisms, some successful); cases of stress-related health coping mechanisms, some successful); cases of stress-related health problems, one middle-aged female trader: plans to retreat to village problems, one middle-aged female trader: plans to retreat to village (‘and just sit at home’) due to rough practices of younger brokers who (‘and just sit at home’) due to rough practices of younger brokers who have reduced her business (Mbale industrial area: maize trade) have reduced her business (Mbale industrial area: maize trade)

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ExamplesExamples from farmers’ from farmers’ interviewsinterviews Liberalisation in early 1990s not well explained by state; Liberalisation in early 1990s not well explained by state;

farmers feel hardly informed (often, just a radio announcement farmers feel hardly informed (often, just a radio announcement by state officials: ‘cooperatives have cheated you... You can now by state officials: ‘cooperatives have cheated you... You can now sell freely... Sell to the highest bidder’); no further advicesell freely... Sell to the highest bidder’); no further advice

Many farmers discouraged, frustrated, bitter, insecure re FTRs Many farmers discouraged, frustrated, bitter, insecure re FTRs Surrounded by tough moral economy (in part Surrounded by tough moral economy (in part deceivingdeceiving traders, traders,

input suppliers, shop sellers, & petty criminals, in part input suppliers, shop sellers, & petty criminals, in part corruptcorrupt local councils & courts, police, politicians, bureaucrats)local councils & courts, police, politicians, bureaucrats)

Face high risk/uncertainty regarding traders’ behaviourFace high risk/uncertainty regarding traders’ behaviour Almost no one to help small holder farmers get justice when Almost no one to help small holder farmers get justice when

they have been victim of malpractices of traders/MM and other they have been victim of malpractices of traders/MM and other agents agents Feeling of helplessness & desperation, high level of mob justice Feeling of helplessness & desperation, high level of mob justice

Complain about absent/disengaged state (neoliberal policies Complain about absent/disengaged state (neoliberal policies and realities put them in difficult situation, made/kept them and realities put them in difficult situation, made/kept them poor)poor)

35JW, 10/5/09

Shocked about neoliberal realities in Shocked about neoliberal realities in rural marketsrural markets

Shocked/concerned about neoliberal realities: malpractices, Shocked/concerned about neoliberal realities: malpractices, unfairness, injustices, product quality drop, perceived unfairness, injustices, product quality drop, perceived domestic/global immorality trends, corruption, money as domestic/global immorality trends, corruption, money as new god, dominance of middlemen system, (economic) un-new god, dominance of middlemen system, (economic) un-freedom; (petty) theft in community (e.g. by unemployed freedom; (petty) theft in community (e.g. by unemployed youth), youth),

Complain about (i) traders/MM’ practices & prices, (ii) Complain about (i) traders/MM’ practices & prices, (ii) other events/ agents/dynamics that keep them poor, or, other events/ agents/dynamics that keep them poor, or, have made them poorer: Ush depreciation, cattle theft, have made them poorer: Ush depreciation, cattle theft, ‘killing’ of cooperatives, misleading advise from state (e.g. ‘killing’ of cooperatives, misleading advise from state (e.g. re agricultural issues), taxes, microfinance institutions, re agricultural issues), taxes, microfinance institutions, NGOs, ‘fake’ era, climate change), Machiavelli-type politics NGOs, ‘fake’ era, climate change), Machiavelli-type politics (poverty & rule)(poverty & rule)

7-10/10 traders/MM engaged in malpractice (traders/MM 7-10/10 traders/MM engaged in malpractice (traders/MM agree)agree)

Many farmers have positive memories of past (cooperatives) Many farmers have positive memories of past (cooperatives) times (despite problems at the time) and miss cooperatives’ times (despite problems at the time) and miss cooperatives’ structuresstructures 36

Struggle to revive Bugisu Struggle to revive Bugisu Cooperative Union, reveal politics of Cooperative Union, reveal politics of

rural traderural trade Some farmers also engage in malpractices; among others, Some farmers also engage in malpractices; among others,

to counter traders’ malpractices, to survive, to copy elite to counter traders’ malpractices, to survive, to copy elite behaviour (corruption) and to ‘adjust’ to (perceived) behaviour (corruption) and to ‘adjust’ to (perceived) trends of malpractices/new moral codes in countrytrends of malpractices/new moral codes in country

Farmers together with elders struggled for years for Farmers together with elders struggled for years for revival of Bugisu Cooperative Union after years of corrupt revival of Bugisu Cooperative Union after years of corrupt BCU leadership BCU leadership To lower dependence on MM/(foreign) traders/exporters, to To lower dependence on MM/(foreign) traders/exporters, to

reshape rural economy & struggle for: ownership & dignity, more reshape rural economy & struggle for: ownership & dignity, more stability, better prices & life; lots of resistance from corrupt stability, better prices & life; lots of resistance from corrupt leaders and their (political) alliesleaders and their (political) allies

Eventually, farmer succeed in throwing out old Eventually, farmer succeed in throwing out old management/board, new leadership of hope (chairman: opposition management/board, new leadership of hope (chairman: opposition MP, contested by NRM), after years of not buying, BCU is buying MP, contested by NRM), after years of not buying, BCU is buying coffee again and farmers supply to it coffee again and farmers supply to it

Overall, farmers worry about future: incomes, morals, Overall, farmers worry about future: incomes, morals, chances for the children/youth, country, politicschances for the children/youth, country, politics

37JW, 10/5/09

Interviewees: general moral trends, Interviewees: general moral trends, examplesexamples Move towards neoliberal value set; increasingly shapes and dominates Move towards neoliberal value set; increasingly shapes and dominates

society & economy, backed by parts of powerful elitesociety & economy, backed by parts of powerful elite Powerful foreign and domestic agents of new morality... pushing down Powerful foreign and domestic agents of new morality... pushing down

voices of old moral order (threats, neglect, ‘bribes’, etc.)voices of old moral order (threats, neglect, ‘bribes’, etc.) Since 1990s: era of Since 1990s: era of money making money making no matter HOW (money m. no matter HOW (money m.

increasingly unconstrained by 'old' and supported by 'new' moral norm increasingly unconstrained by 'old' and supported by 'new' moral norm set)!set)! To become rich (e.g. elite), to survive (masses), many people/groups are To become rich (e.g. elite), to survive (masses), many people/groups are

morally compromised because of the way in which they made/make money morally compromised because of the way in which they made/make money Individualism, new rich as role models (prestige, sit in front in churches), Individualism, new rich as role models (prestige, sit in front in churches),

failure of power elite (leaders), rise of ‘I don't care’ attitude, ‘to whom it may failure of power elite (leaders), rise of ‘I don't care’ attitude, ‘to whom it may concern’, ‘dog-eats-dog-society’; people realize 'old' norms obsolete/devalued concern’, ‘dog-eats-dog-society’; people realize 'old' norms obsolete/devalued in new economic life & copy from elite (‘almost everybody does it now‘, ‘you in new economic life & copy from elite (‘almost everybody does it now‘, ‘you can’t survive as an honest person in this economy’), ‘foreign investor’-can’t survive as an honest person in this economy’), ‘foreign investor’-phenomena, rise of middlemen-system to dominancephenomena, rise of middlemen-system to dominance

Injustices/unfairness high, economic exclusion of sections of society (e.g. Injustices/unfairness high, economic exclusion of sections of society (e.g. youth), or regions (e.g. Eastern Uganda)youth), or regions (e.g. Eastern Uganda)

Short term gains/goals on expense of long term issues, quantity not quality, Short term gains/goals on expense of long term issues, quantity not quality, shortcuts practices, ‘making a cut’, little/no accountability for business shortcuts practices, ‘making a cut’, little/no accountability for business practicespractices

Powerful Western economies (U.S., Europe) role model & drivers of these Powerful Western economies (U.S., Europe) role model & drivers of these trends in contemporary capitalism: see global financial crisis (see ‘cheating trends in contemporary capitalism: see global financial crisis (see ‘cheating culture’ in the US and elsewhere in the neoliberal West/world, Callahan)culture’ in the US and elsewhere in the neoliberal West/world, Callahan)

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Perceived moral trends, cont.Perceived moral trends, cont. Moral decline since 1990s: rise in corruption, fraud, deception, Moral decline since 1990s: rise in corruption, fraud, deception,

malpractices, abuse of power, fake/unreal/false things & malpractices, abuse of power, fake/unreal/false things & behaviour (kiwaani), failure of power elite, showing moral behaviour (kiwaani), failure of power elite, showing moral integrity not rewarded/honoured anymore by community/publicintegrity not rewarded/honoured anymore by community/public

Gradual erosion of mechanisms of external (community related) Gradual erosion of mechanisms of external (community related) and internal (guilt/shame) sanctions to ‘check’ moral and internal (guilt/shame) sanctions to ‘check’ moral transgressionstransgressions

Westernisation of Ugandan society/culture (via e.g. video halls, Westernisation of Ugandan society/culture (via e.g. video halls, media, internet, foreign firms, education, technology, Diaspora)media, internet, foreign firms, education, technology, Diaspora)

Socio-economic tensions erode morals & community/family Socio-economic tensions erode morals & community/family cohesioncohesion

Commercialisation and deregulation of many realms of society Commercialisation and deregulation of many realms of society (health, education, community life) led to increase in & new forms (health, education, community life) led to increase in & new forms of ‘malpractices’ with high cost to society/people; recently in the of ‘malpractices’ with high cost to society/people; recently in the news: corruption, drug theft by hospital staff, school & market news: corruption, drug theft by hospital staff, school & market fires, collapsing buildings, child sacrifice, land wrangles, fires, collapsing buildings, child sacrifice, land wrangles, counterfeits, etc.counterfeits, etc.

Many societal groups (especially power elite) morally Many societal groups (especially power elite) morally compromised due to their action in recent past. Moral compromised due to their action in recent past. Moral reintegration in this context? reintegration in this context?

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Moral trends, cont.Moral trends, cont. Interviewees tend to wonder: Who is left with moral Interviewees tend to wonder: Who is left with moral

authority to reshape moral norms and restore moral order? authority to reshape moral norms and restore moral order? They mostly say: No one/Hardly anyone. Some believe, They mostly say: No one/Hardly anyone. Some believe, only God can rescue Uganda from these trends (especially, only God can rescue Uganda from these trends (especially, erosion of morals & failure of power elite)erosion of morals & failure of power elite)

Interviewer: Do you have particular phrases/metaphors for Interviewer: Do you have particular phrases/metaphors for such characteristics & trends of recent developments in such characteristics & trends of recent developments in Uganda? Answer: Uganda? Answer: KIWAANIKIWAANI (popular song title, refers to (popular song title, refers to era of deceit, pretence & tricking, the fake/unreal/false, era of deceit, pretence & tricking, the fake/unreal/false, hoax; deceptive behaviour to make money (& survive)hoax; deceptive behaviour to make money (& survive)

Researcher looks for analytical terms to capture some of Researcher looks for analytical terms to capture some of the trends & the difference between ‘success talk’ of the trends & the difference between ‘success talk’ of certain officials (in Kampala, Washington, London, certain officials (in Kampala, Washington, London, Brussels) and real/perceived upcountry realities: Brussels) and real/perceived upcountry realities: Pseudo Pseudo development? Workshop development? Putemkin development? development? Workshop development? Putemkin development? Neoliberal anarchy/disorder/order? Unintended consequences, Neoliberal anarchy/disorder/order? Unintended consequences, of e.g. neoliberal virtualism? Laissez faire pathologies? Coerced of e.g. neoliberal virtualism? Laissez faire pathologies? Coerced into the ‘free market’? Neoliberal prison yard? into the ‘free market’? Neoliberal prison yard? 40JW, 10/5/09

Concluding remarksConcluding remarks Data suggest: neoliberal reforms have reshaped moral economy (moral Data suggest: neoliberal reforms have reshaped moral economy (moral

order & norms) of (i) rural trade and (ii) economy/society at large; part order & norms) of (i) rural trade and (ii) economy/society at large; part of of (moral) (moral) restructuring: towards liberal-capitalist society & neoliberal restructuring: towards liberal-capitalist society & neoliberal economy, economy, Who benefits? Certain actors in economy/society, e.g. (foreign) exporters, traders, Who benefits? Certain actors in economy/society, e.g. (foreign) exporters, traders,

manufacturers and their allies in the political and bureaucratic system, and, of manufacturers and their allies in the political and bureaucratic system, and, of course, ‘donors’course, ‘donors’

Moral economy trends a (long-term) threat to ‘development’!?Moral economy trends a (long-term) threat to ‘development’!? Moral issues (how we organize and live in society & economy) have Moral issues (how we organize and live in society & economy) have

politicalpolitical significance; (ordinary) people think & interpret life and significance; (ordinary) people think & interpret life and economy in moral terms: (in)justice, (im)propriety, good life, ...economy in moral terms: (in)justice, (im)propriety, good life, ...

Long-term effects of shifts in moral order & moral norms!? Long-term effects of shifts in moral order & moral norms!? How does one limit erosion of moral norms & support moral ‘healing’? How does one limit erosion of moral norms & support moral ‘healing’? Post-liberalism call (in context of global financial crisis/recession) Post-liberalism call (in context of global financial crisis/recession)

premature: in Uganda, neoliberal moral economy still predominant & premature: in Uganda, neoliberal moral economy still predominant & neoliberal proponents powerful; cultural (& cognitive) neoliberal proponents powerful; cultural (& cognitive) effects/turbulences of shifts towards neoliberal norms of thinking and effects/turbulences of shifts towards neoliberal norms of thinking and behaving just starting to become visible & effective behaving just starting to become visible & effective

Neoliberal policies & practices seem to reshape (in part of population, at Neoliberal policies & practices seem to reshape (in part of population, at least) actors’ moral behaviour (in economic realm) via shifts in their least) actors’ moral behaviour (in economic realm) via shifts in their moral sensitivity, moral judgment, moral motivation and moral moral sensitivity, moral judgment, moral motivation and moral charactercharacter; hard to ‘reverse’!?; hard to ‘reverse’!? 41

JW, 10/5/09

Concluding remarks, cont.Concluding remarks, cont. Markets not free (in economics’ sense) but (socially/polit./cult.) contested; Markets not free (in economics’ sense) but (socially/polit./cult.) contested;

not source of freedom, but (also) arenas of domination, power, coercion, not source of freedom, but (also) arenas of domination, power, coercion, unfreedom unfreedom

Ordinary/poor economic actors have significant problems: to express their Ordinary/poor economic actors have significant problems: to express their concerns with moral economy trends to authorities, and trigger any concerns with moral economy trends to authorities, and trigger any action; or, to find collective strength and structures (e.g. cooperatives) to action; or, to find collective strength and structures (e.g. cooperatives) to address & counter trends. Due to power imbalance, poverty, rural politics, address & counter trends. Due to power imbalance, poverty, rural politics, etc.etc.

Study of economic history (e.g., incidences of injustice, series of hopes & Study of economic history (e.g., incidences of injustice, series of hopes & disappointments, politics of reforms) from perspective of ordinary people disappointments, politics of reforms) from perspective of ordinary people important: To document their views, bring experience of majority of important: To document their views, bring experience of majority of people to forefront, balance/counter official discourse, and thus, help people to forefront, balance/counter official discourse, and thus, help future generations to have chance to better understand history of the future generations to have chance to better understand history of the country.country.

Elite’s political-economic projects (e.g. reforms) have social, cultural, Elite’s political-economic projects (e.g. reforms) have social, cultural, emotional, cognitive/psychological, economic & political costs to emotional, cognitive/psychological, economic & political costs to population/societypopulation/society

Behaviour of power elite in different section of society, especially politics, Behaviour of power elite in different section of society, especially politics, decisive: for ongoing erosion & future of morality (interviewees say)decisive: for ongoing erosion & future of morality (interviewees say)

Global politics of neoliberal business culture (who accumulates Global politics of neoliberal business culture (who accumulates & how& how); ); certain Western agents push for liberal reforms in Uganda & often ignore certain Western agents push for liberal reforms in Uganda & often ignore consequent turbulences in local communities (economy, families)consequent turbulences in local communities (economy, families) 42

43

Future research? ‘Bring reality in’ - Future research? ‘Bring reality in’ - study what real actors do in real study what real actors do in real

markets (and why)markets (and why) Social, cultural, political effects of neoliberal (economic) Social, cultural, political effects of neoliberal (economic) developmentdevelopment

Political economy Political economy of reforms, politics of business culture (practices of reforms, politics of business culture (practices of accumulation/surplus extraction & effects for majority of accumulation/surplus extraction & effects for majority population)population)

Historical evolution of BC? Turning points? Interpretation of people?Historical evolution of BC? Turning points? Interpretation of people? Shifts in: ‘rules of the game’, moral order & codesShifts in: ‘rules of the game’, moral order & codes Dynamics, reasons, consequences of Dynamics, reasons, consequences of normative, motivational, normative, motivational,

cognitive, and (resulting) behavioural changescognitive, and (resulting) behavioural changes Role of different factors (issues) & agents in (re-)shaping moral econ. Role of different factors (issues) & agents in (re-)shaping moral econ.

& BC& BC Politicians, technocrats, cultural/religious leaders, donors, Politicians, technocrats, cultural/religious leaders, donors,

domestic/ foreign businesses (including media and marketing domestic/ foreign businesses (including media and marketing agencies), entrepreneurs, workers, farmers, teachers/lecturers, agencies), entrepreneurs, workers, farmers, teachers/lecturers, researchers, media, youth, elders, police, lawyers…researchers, media, youth, elders, police, lawyers…

Conflicts of different logics: social, economic, cultural, class, gender, Conflicts of different logics: social, economic, cultural, class, gender, ageage

Trends in trust/mistrust, deception, malpractices, injusticesTrends in trust/mistrust, deception, malpractices, injustices Actors’ sense making and responses to social and economic changes Actors’ sense making and responses to social and economic changes

that affect inter-actor behaviour and relationships that affect inter-actor behaviour and relationships JW, 10/5/09

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Further questions for debateFurther questions for debate Link between reforms and normative dimensions of Link between reforms and normative dimensions of

markets? markets? Repercussions regarding establishment of more Repercussions regarding establishment of more

developmental & inclusive markets and thus Gov.’ developmental & inclusive markets and thus Gov.’ expressed policy goals (export led growth, poverty expressed policy goals (export led growth, poverty reduction, betterment of farmers)?reduction, betterment of farmers)?

Can market coordination problem (e.g. sources of Can market coordination problem (e.g. sources of uncertainty in economic life) be resolved/reduced in the uncertainty in economic life) be resolved/reduced in the context of current neo-liberal economic policy mix and context of current neo-liberal economic policy mix and related wider societal and political-economic context in related wider societal and political-economic context in Uganda (& elsewhere)?Uganda (& elsewhere)?

What constitutes a developmental BC in Uganda’s case? What constitutes a developmental BC in Uganda’s case? What kind of BC do Ugandans (major/minor actors & What kind of BC do Ugandans (major/minor actors & groups) want? What does that require in terms of politics, groups) want? What does that require in terms of politics, economy, culture (including moral action), society? economy, culture (including moral action), society? Tensions, contradictions, prospects?Tensions, contradictions, prospects?

Set of neoliberal (or any other) moral norms as mode of Set of neoliberal (or any other) moral norms as mode of controlling and governing people? Implications?controlling and governing people? Implications?

Uganda (East Africa/world) re moral economy in 5-10 years?Uganda (East Africa/world) re moral economy in 5-10 years? Thank you very much to all interviewees, assistants & Thank you very much to all interviewees, assistants &

supporters!supporters! Contacts are very welcome: Contacts are very welcome: j.wiegratz@sheffield.ac.ukj.wiegratz@sheffield.ac.uk

JW, 10/5/09