Effect of Risk Management Practices on Agricultural Projects Performance: A Case of Avocado Growing Project under Kotwidika Cooperative in Murama Sector, Kayonza District, Rwanda

Esther Kangabe and Jean de Dieu Dushimimana
University of Kigali
Email: kangabeesther2@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examined the effect of risk management practices on agricultural project performance, focusing on the avocado-growing project under KOTWIDIKA Cooperative in Murama Sector, Kayonza District, Rwanda. Specifically, it assessed the effect of risk identification on project performance. The study adopted a descriptive and correlational research design using a mixed-methods approach. The target population comprised 351 respondents, from which a sample of 187 was selected. A total of 178 questionnaires were completed and returned, and one project manager was interviewed. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, documentary review, and observation. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment correlation, and simple linear regression. The findings showed that risk identification practices were generally implemented, with an overall mean of 4.18 and a standard deviation of 0.81. The correlation analysis indicated a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between risk identification and project performance (r = .894, p < .001). Regression analysis showed that the model was statistically significant (F = 262.402, p < .001), with risk identification explaining 85.8% of the variation in project performance (R² = .858). The study concluded that early risk identification, farmer participation, and regular field observation support project performance. It recommends maintaining field visits and farmer discussions while strengthening identification of climate-related, production, and market risks.