Osiemo Kengere Athanas – Mount Kenya University

Email: fkakiriho@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examines the effect of credit accessibility on the performance of small-scale farms in Gicumbi District. It attempted to determine effect of cost of credit on performance of small scale farms in Gicumbi District, Rwanda. A descriptive research design was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess how interest rates, hidden charges, and financial literacy affect farmers’ access to credit and, consequently, their productivity. A total of 293 questionnaires were distributed across four sectors Byumba, Kageyo, Mutete, and Kinyami with 269 valid responses returned, representing a high response rate of 91.8%. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 23. The results revealed a strong and statistically significant positive relationship between cost of credit and farm performance, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.795 and a regression R² value of 0.649, indicating that approximately 64.9% of the variation in farm performance could be explained by cost-related factors. Farmers identified high interest rates, complex loan procedures, lack of financial literacy, and hidden bank charges as major barriers to credit accessibility. Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of subsidized credit schemes, farmer-focused financial literacy programs, and the simplification of loan processes to enhance credit uptake. Addressing these financial barriers is essential to improving the productivity and sustainability of smallholder farms in Rwanda.

Abstract: In spite of the government efforts to promote Mathematics and Science, students’ performance in mathematics in Rwanda has been low in upper secondary schools, especially in three different districts Gatsibo, Nyamasheke and Gicumbi. This study assessed factors affecting the performance in Mathematics of the upper secondary students in Gicumbi District. A correlational study was carried out in which the correlation between performance in Mathematics and different factors affecting it in upper secondary students of Gicumbi District was assessed. The study targeted a population of 120 students from 6 schools, 12 mathematics teachers and 6 deputy head-teachers. Questionnaires were administered in all above targeted populations so as to collect data for this study. Adequate learning resources (r=0.281, 0.105, 0.147, 0.413), favorable school environment (r=0.547, 0.140, 0.121, 0.451, 0.321), low use of school library (r=0.123, 0.252, 0.123), parental encouragement (r=0.102, 0.361), a distance to school in day students (r=0.402), little interest in Mathematics (r=0.471, 0.254), and revision exercises given to the students (r=0.182, 0.272) have been identified as major factors. The establishment of a good environment favoring the study Mathematics in schools, the provision of adequate learning resources and much exercises, the role of parents to help their children to have interest in Mathematics subject and orientation of the students in schools near their families will help in bringing about a good performance of Mathematics in upper secondary school students of Gicumbi District.