CONTRIBUTION OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO AGRICULTURAL GROWTH    IN RWANDA: A CASE OF LAND-HUSBANDRY, WATER-HARVESTING AND HILLSIDE IRRIGATION (LWH) PROJECT IN NYANZA DISTRICT

HABUMUGISHA THEOPHACE; MUHIRE SIMON CHARLES

doi:10.61426/rjssh.v7i1.521

HABUMUGISHA THEOPHACE Masters Students in Business Administration, Project Management Option, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), Rwanda
MUHIRE SIMON CHARLES, PhD Lecturer, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), Rwanda

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61426/rjssh.v7i1.521

Keywords: Agricultural Growth, Funding Allocation, Training and Capacity Building, Technology Adoption, Project Coverage

Abstract

This study examined the contribution of development projects to agricultural growth in Rwanda, with particular emphasis on the Land Husbandry, Water Harvesting, and Hillside Irrigation (LWH) project in Nyanza District. Specifically, the study assessed the effect of funding allocation, training and capacity building, and technology adoption under LWH projects on agricultural growth, as well as the overall relationship between LWH project implementation and agricultural growth. A descriptive research design with a quantitative approach was adopted. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to smallholder farmers in four sectors of Nyanza District. A sample size of 246 respondents was selected using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, complemented by thematic content analysis. The findings indicated a generally positive contribution of LWH project components to agricultural growth, with an overall mean score of 3.02 (SD = 0.706). Funding allocation significantly influenced agricultural productivity (M = 2.73, SD = 0.854). Training and capacity-building interventions showed a strong contribution (M = 3.17, SD = 0.645), reflecting improved farmer knowledge and skills. Technology adoption was also perceived as crucial for yield improvement (M = 3.13, SD = 0.673). Regression results revealed that LWH project components collectively explained 54% of the variation in agricultural growth (R² = 0.540). The study concludes that the LWH project has made a significant contribution to agricultural growth in Nyanza District even if some challenges such as price fluctuation, Inadequate infrastructure for storage and processing as well as Limited irrigation infrastructures in the area, It recommends increased funding for agricultural development projects, strengthened farmer training and capacity-building programs, improved rural infrastructure, enhanced access to modern farming technologies, and expansion of project coverage to reach more smallholder farmers. These interventions are essential for ensuring the sustainability and long-term success of agricultural development initiatives in Rwanda.

Author Biographies

HABUMUGISHA THEOPHACE, Masters Students in Business Administration, Project Management Option, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), Rwanda

Masters Students in Business Administration, Project Management Option, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), Rwanda

MUHIRE SIMON CHARLES, PhD, Lecturer, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), Rwanda

Lecturer, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), Rwanda

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