Stakeholder Engagement and the Success of Agri-Hub Project in Musanze District, Rwanda

Jacques Tuyishime and Ruth Odengo
University of Kigali, Rwanda
Email: tuyijac@gmail.com

Abstract: Stakeholder engagement is central to multi-actor agricultural projects because implementation depends on clear communication, responsive feedback, realistic expectations, and coordinated action. This study assessed stakeholder engagement and the success of the Agri-Hub project in Musanze District, Rwanda, focusing on communication effectiveness, feedback mechanisms, and stakeholder expectation management. A cross-sectional descriptive and correlational mixed-methods design was used. The target population was 304 Agri-Hub employees and other stakeholders. Yamane’s formula generated a quantitative sample of 173 respondents, and all 173 completed questionnaires were retained for analysis; key-informant interviews and focus group discussions provided qualitative evidence. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically and triangulated with the statistical findings. Communication effectiveness was positively related to project success (r = 0.613, p < 0.001), as were feedback mechanisms (r = 0.540, p < 0.001) and expectation management (r = 0.516, p < 0.001). The regression model was significant, F(3,169) = 74.93, p < 0.001, and explained 57.1% of variation in project success. Communication effectiveness was the strongest predictor (β = 0.420). The study recommends institutionalized two-way communication, documented feedback tracking, timely grievance resolution, and continuous alignment of stakeholder expectations with project resources and responsibilities.