Contribution of Agricultural Organizations to the Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihood in Rwanda: Case Study of One Acre Fund-Tubura Rwanda in Kayonza District

Ikisiri

Rwanda's smallholder farmers, crucial to the rural economy, face ongoing challenges like low productivity, limited market access, and inadequate resources despite interventions from organizations like One Acre Fund-Tubura Rwanda. These issues threaten food security and poverty reduction, highlighting the need for empirical research on the effectiveness of such interventions, particularly in the Kayonza District. This study examines the contribution of agricultural organizations to smallholder farmers' livelihoods in Rwanda, using One Acre Fund-Tubura in Kayonza District as a case study from 2019 to 2023. Using a descriptive and correlational research design, the study analyzed data from 394 beneficiaries of the program, selected using stratified, random, and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, T-test, and correlation analysis using SPSS for quantitative data. Key findings reveal that 83.8% of farmers have engaged with Tubura for over a decade, accessing critical services such as fertilizers and seeds, which are universally provided, alongside selective interventions like agroforestry seedlings and training. Tubura's support significantly enhanced agricultural productivity, with maize yields increasing by over 2000 kg/ha and corresponding income doubling post-intervention. Farmers reported substantial progress in food security, education, and health, albeit with moderate improvements in asset accumulation. The study highlights a positive correlation between Tubura’s interventions and livelihood indicators, particularly in agricultural productivity (r = 0.752), emphasizing the impact of sustained engagement. Challenges such as delayed input delivery and limited accessibility to Tubura shops were noted, underscoring areas for improvement to maximize benefits for smallholder farmers. The study recommended expanding the distribution of fertilizers and seeds to sustain and enhance agricultural productivity while also increasing the frequency and scope of training sessions and extension services to offer farmers more comprehensive support.