Effect of Rwanda National Agriculture Policy on Small Scale Maize Farmers’ Livelihoods in Nyagatare District

Jean D’Amour Ingabire & Samuel Wabala
University of Kigali
Email: icyinga2050@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examines the effect of the Rwanda National Agriculture Policy (NAP) on the livelihoods of small-scale maize farmers in Nyagatare District, with a specific focus on the impact of agricultural commercialization strategies. A descriptive research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 424 individuals from five cooperatives, with a sample size of 206 selected using the Yamane formula. Data were collected through surveys and interviews and analyzed using SPSS software version 25, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between agricultural commercialization strategies and improved livelihoods, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.796, suggesting that commercialization plays a critical role in enhancing smallholder maize farmers’ economic outcomes. Regression analysis further indicated that agricultural commercialization strategies are a strong predictor of improved livelihoods, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.562. These findings were statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.000. The study concluded that agricultural commercialization positively influences income, food security, and overall livelihood improvements for small-scale maize farmers in Nyagatare. However, challenges such as limited market access, insufficient agricultural infrastructure, and climate variability were identified as barriers to full commercialization potential. The study recommends enhancing access to markets, investing in rural infrastructure, providing farmer training programs, and improving financial support systems to ensure the sustainability of agricultural commercialization in the region.