Project Management Practices and Sustainability of Small-Scale Irrigation Agribusinesses in Nyagatare District

Iyamuremye Jacques Dawsson and Njenga Gitahi
Mount Kigali University
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0960-060X
Email: jacquesdawsson4@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of project management practices on the sustainability of small-scale irrigation agribusinesses in Nyagatare District, Rwanda. The study employed a descrptive and cross-sectional survey research designto examine the influence of project management practices on the performance. Of a target population of 210, 138 respondents were sampled, and 114 valid questionnaires were analysed (82.6% response); 11 key informants contributed qualitative insights. The study applied descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression and thematic analysis. The primary regression tables reported a significant model (R = .771, R² = .594, adjusted R² = .583; F = 53.708, p < .001). Project planning (β = .342, p < .001), resource management (β = .298, p < .001) and monitoring and evaluation (β = .261, p = .001) were positive, significant predictors. The findings point to the value of seasonal plans, maintenance financing, and participatory monitoring for sustained irrigation operations. Based on these findings, it was recommended that local agriculture authorities (MINAGRI, RAB, District Agriculture Office) institutionalize mandatory project management training and quarterly technical audits for Water Users Associations, that cooperatives establish transparent, ring-fenced maintenance funds, and that development partners integrate hardware provision with long-term technical support.