Effectiveness of Direct Support under the Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme on Enhancing Community Livelihoods. A Case Study of Nyarugenge District, Rwanda

Tuyiringire Leonce & Nzabamwita Jonas
University of Lay Adventists of Kigali
Email: leotuyiringire@gmail.com

Abstract: Cash transfer programmes have become central instruments of social protection because they help poor and labour-constrained households smooth consumption, protect human capital, and reduce harmful coping strategies. In Rwanda, the Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP) provides Direct Support to extremely poor households unable to participate in labour-based interventions. This study assessed the effect of cash transfers on enhancing community livelihoods in Nyarugenge District, Rwanda. Guided by Social Risk Management Theory and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, the study adopted a mixed-methods design. The target population was 507 respondents, and a sample of 224 was selected as beneficiary households and 34 key informants. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and document review. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings showed that cash transfers had a high perceived influence on livelihoods, with a composite mean of 4.059, while community livelihood outcomes registered a mean of 3.735. Cash transfers were positively and significantly associated with community livelihoods (r = .605, p < .01). Regression results further showed a significant positive effect (β = .474, p < .001), with the model correlation at R = .651 and R² = .424. The study concluded that cash transfers under VUP Direct Support significantly enhanced livelihoods through improved food access, income stabilization, healthcare access, and education support. It recommends strengthening transfer adequacy, payment predictability, and linkages to livelihood promotion initiatives.